April

Google has revealed the selected startups for the 8th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, following a competitive application process that began in <a href="https://technext24.com/2024/04/29/google-applications-startups-accelerator/">April 2024</a>. 
This cohort comprises ten tech startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, all using artificial intelligence to address significant challenges across various sectors, including fintech, climate, health, and more. 
Over the next three months, these startups will engage in a virtual program that includes mentoring, training, technical support, and more. 
The Nigerian startups selected include CDIAL AI, Earthbond, MyAIFactchecker, NextCounsel, and Rana Energy. 
Announcing the new cohort, Google emphasised the critical role of startups in fostering economic development and technological innovation across Africa, especially amid the current “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa. 
Since 2018, the program has supported 106 startups, helping them raise over $263 million and create more than 2,800 jobs. 
Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s Head of Startups Programs in Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the new participants, highlighting their potential to drive innovation and address real-world problems through technology. 
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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> 
 We are thrilled to welcome the 8th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. These startups represent the future of African innovation, harnessing the power of technology to solve real-world problems and uplift their communities. We are committed to supporting these founders by providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed and scale their solutions. <cite>Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s Head of Startups Programs in Africa</cite>
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The selected startups will receive support from Google mentors, engage in technical workshops, and connect with Google’s global network of investors, aiming to scale their solutions and broaden their impact. 
<h4 id="meet-the-google-for-startups-accelerator-africa-class-8" class="wp-block-heading">Meet the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Class 8:</h4> 
<ul> 
 <li><a href="https://www.cdial.co/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDIAL AI (Nigeria):</a> Transforming multilingual communication across Africa with the power of artificial and collective intelligence. Founded by Yinka Iyinolaka and Shona Olaler, who is the Lead, Policy and Partnerships</li> 
 <li><a href="https://earthbond.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earthbond (Nigeria):</a> Lighting up homes and businesses across Africa with affordable, reliable energy solutions, bolstered by carbon accounting and development finance. Founded by Chidalu Onyenso. </li> 
 <li><a href="https://fixxr.co.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fixxr (South Africa):</a> Putting car owners and businesses in the driver’s seat with transparent and convenient on-location vehicle maintenance and repair services. Founded by Bayabulela Jolobe, Mawethu Soga and Curtis Young. </li> 
 <li><a href="https://lifestenhealth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lifesten Health (Rwanda):</a> Innovating health and wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health. Founded by Stephen Ogweno, and Peace Iraguha.</li> 
 <li><a href="https://www.myaifactchecker.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MyAIFactchecker (Nigeria):</a> Equipping users with an AI-powered tool to combat misinformation and promote informed decision-making through fact-checking. Founded by Abideen Oladipo, and is an initiative of BrainBuilder Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI). </li> 
 <li><a href="https://nakili.co.ke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nakili (Kenya):</a> Bringing salons, barbershops, and spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management and enhanced customer experiences. Founded by Kebati Calvin and Gladys Kibera. </li> 
 <li><a href="https://nextcounsel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NextCounsel (Nigeria):</a> Supercharging lawyer productivity with an AI-powered tool for contract management, solicitor engagement, compliance, and more. Founded by Debo Ojikutu, Samson Adegunle, and Fope Akinmola. </li> 
 <li><a href="https://www.nobuk.africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nobuk Africa (Kenya):</a> Simplifying financial management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports. Founded by Elvis Bando and Jani Landman. </li> 
 <li><a href="https://ranaenergy.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rana Energy (Nigeria):</a> Providing clean, reliable energy solutions to SMEs and communities through a data-driven ecosystem. Founded by Mubarak Popoola and Abraham Mohammed. </li> 
 <li><a href="https://triply.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triply (Kenya):</a> Building Africa’s travel operating system, connecting travellers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools. Founded by Peter Wachira. </li> 
</ul> 
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 <img decoding="async" width="1200" height="675" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Googles-Startups-Accelerator-1.jpeg" alt="Google's Startups Accelerator" class="wp-image-234104">
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From July 29th to September 20th, 2024, these ten startups will participate in a structured programme that is designed to support their growth. They will receive direct access to the expertise of Google mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs who have navigated the startup path. 
They will engage in technical workshops to refine their products, hone their business strategies, and strengthen their leadership skills. The program will also prepare them to secure follow-on funding from Google’s global network of investors. 
The participation of these startups in the accelerator program marks a significant step in their journey towards scaling their solutions and increasing their impact.&nbsp;

Meet the 10 startups selected for the 8th Cohort of Google’s Startups Accelerator Africa

Technext.ng

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