Google has announced the 15 startups selected for the 10th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, a move expected to strengthen innovation and economic growth across the continent. Drawn from nearly 2,600 applications, the selected companies are using artificial intelligence to solve real problems in sectors such as fintech, agriculture, healthcare, mobility and software services.
The three-month hybrid programme, running from April 13 to June 19, 2026, will provide founders with mentorship, technical support and access to advanced tools in AI and cloud technology. This support is designed to help startups scale faster, improve their products and position themselves for future investment. As these businesses grow, they are expected to create jobs, improve services and contribute to stronger local economies across Africa.
Building solutions that address real market needs
The selected startups reflect a strong focus on practical solutions built for African markets. In Angola, Anda Africa is working to improve urban transport by formalising and digitising the informal motorcycle taxi sector. Its platform uses AI-powered credit scoring to help drivers access financing while also improving safety and reliability in cities facing congestion challenges.
Nigeria’s Bani is addressing cross-border payment challenges by building infrastructure that allows African businesses to receive and process payments more efficiently. This is expected to reduce delays in international trade and open up new markets for businesses across the continent.
In Kenya, Coamana is helping digitise informal food markets by working with governments and market associations. Its technology improves how markets operate while supporting trade and community development. Another Kenyan startup, Duck, is helping consumer brands avoid stock shortages by providing real-time data from retail outlets, allowing better inventory decisions.
Uganda’s Emaisha Pay is focused on smallholder farmers, offering financial tools that include credit, savings, insurance and digital payments. By linking farmers to buyers and providing financial access, the platform aims to strengthen agricultural value chains.
South Africa’s Loop is modernising public transport by digitising payments and improving the commuter experience, particularly in the minibus taxi sector. In Senegal, Maad is helping brands expand across Africa through AI-powered market intelligence and distribution systems that connect fragmented retail networks.
Expanding financial access and digital infrastructure
Several startups in the cohort are focused on improving financial systems and digital infrastructure. MasteryHive AI, based in Nigeria, is helping financial institutions manage transactions, detect fraud and meet compliance requirements using AI-driven tools. Regxta is also expanding financial inclusion by offering credit and financial services to underserved communities, including micro businesses and displaced individuals.
Kenya’s ReportsAI is supporting organisations by turning raw data into reliable reports and insights, improving decision-making and accountability. Tanzania’s Safiri is building digital infrastructure for transport companies, helping them manage operations and improve service delivery.
Termii, another Nigerian company, is strengthening communication systems for financial institutions, ensuring that critical messages such as transaction alerts and security codes are delivered reliably. In Ivory Coast, Meditect is improving healthcare by digitising pharmacies and enhancing access to safe and verified medicines.
Language technology is also a key focus. South Africa’s Vambo AI is building tools that support African languages in digital systems, helping to remove communication barriers and expand access to services. Meanwhile, Kenya’s VunaPay is supporting agricultural cooperatives with fintech tools that enable faster payments and better financial management for farmers.
Together, these 15 startups highlight how African entrepreneurs are using AI to solve local challenges while building scalable businesses. With support from Google’s accelerator programme, they are expected to grow their impact, attract investment and contribute to a more connected and inclusive digital economy across the continent.
