Google Opens Applications for Class 10 of Its Startup Accelerator in Africa, With a Strong AI-First Focus

Google has opened applications for Class 10 of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, marking a significant moment in the program’s evolution and nearly ten years of structured engagement with Africa’s startup ecosystem. Since its launch in 2018, the accelerator has played a steady role in shaping early and growth-stage innovation across the continent. This latest cohort reflects a clear change in direction.

Unlike previous editions that broadly supported digital transformation, the 2026 cohort is deliberately positioned as an AI-first accelerator, signalling Google’s intent to deepen Africa’s role in advanced, research-driven technology development rather than surface-level adoption.

The program will run for 12 weeks in a hybrid format and is designed specifically for Series A startups that are either based in Africa or building AI-powered solutions for African markets. Eligible startups must demonstrate traction, technical depth, and a scalable business model rooted in artificial intelligence or machine learning.

According to Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google, the focus of Class 10 reflects a broader shift within the continent’s tech landscape.

“Africa’s tech ecosystem is moving toward deeper innovation. For Class 10, we are focusing on how AI can drive health and societal outcomes, while providing the infrastructure and expertise needed to transform startups into research-driven labs,” Aiyegbusi said

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What Selected Startups Will Gain

Startups selected for the accelerator will receive equity-free support, allowing founders to scale without ownership dilution. Participants will gain access to Google’s AI specialists, technical workshops tailored to advanced problem-solving, and one-on-one mentorship with experienced AI and product leaders.

In addition, startups will be eligible for Google Cloud credits, early access to select AI products, and Cloud TPU resources, removing infrastructure constraints that often limit deep-tech experimentation. The program also creates opportunities for founders to connect with a global network of investors, peers, and industry experts. The accelerator follows a structured model where 10 to 15 startups per cohort engage through a mix of remote sessions, in-person engagements, group learning, and sprint-based technical projects. Founders outline their most pressing challenges and are paired with relevant experts to work through them during the program.

Since 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa has supported over 180 startups across 17 African countries. These startups have collectively raised more than $350 million in funding and created over 3,700 direct jobs, reinforcing the program’s role as one of the continent’s most visible corporate accelerators. Alumni companies span sectors such as logistics, healthtech, fintech, and enterprise software. Notable graduates include logistics platform Paps and health-focused startups such as Myltura and YeneHealth, which continue to scale solutions addressing real-world challenges.

The launch of Class 10 comes at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed as a key driver of Africa’s long-term economic growth. By centering this cohort on AI, Google is positioning African startups not only as solution builders, but as contributors to applied research in areas such as healthcare delivery, climate resilience, agriculture, financial systems, and societal infrastructure. Google has stated that the goal of this cohort is to help startups translate advanced research into deployable, scalable products and bridging the gap between experimentation and real-world impact.

This focus builds on momentum from Cohort 9, which featured startups from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa. Six Nigerian startups were selected, including E-doc Online, GoNomad, Middleman, Myltura, Pastel, and Scandium, reflecting Nigeria’s continued prominence within Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

Applications for Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Class 10 are open from February 5 to March 18, 2026, with the program expected to begin in April 2026. Startups can apply online.

The accelerator remains part of Google’s broader $1 billion commitment to Africa’s digital transformation. With its AI-first orientation, Class 10 represents a clear strategic signal: the next phase of Africa’s tech growth will be shaped by intelligence, research depth, and the ability to scale advanced systems responsibly

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