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Two Kenyan firms, Apexloads and Shamba Records are among fifteen African startups selected to join Google for Startups Accelerator program.
The latest cohort joined the three months accelerator for leveraging are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address significant challenges across diverse sectors, including fintech, agritech, healthtech, and professional services.
“African startups are at the forefront of solving critical challenges across the continent, and their work with AI is truly transformative,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google.
Apexloads is a Kenyan firm offering logistics Software-as-a-Service, connecting African freight brokers, forwarders, and transporters move cargo faster with verified partners.
According to Apexloads Founder and Chief Executive Officer Charles Thuo, the accelerator is key in propelling the firm in its expansion drive as it eyes entry in Zambia and Rwanda. The firm currently has operations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“The resources help us bring on board the talent we need to serve our customers and grow our user base. We’ll be able to engage more with users and iterate faster and we push to standardize and streamline the logistics industry in Africa,” said Thuo.
Shamba Records on the other hand, is a Kenyan AI-powered platform that empowers at least 50,000 African farmers with smart credit, market access, and climate-resilient, data-driven agriculture.
The startups will benefit from Google’s extensive resources, including cutting-edge AI technologies and a global network of experts.
Under the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa Class 9 program, the startups will also secure essential support, mentorship, and funding.
“This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply. We are incredibly excited to support these founders who are building for impact and helping to shape an inclusive AI ecosystem across Africa,” added Aiyegbusi.
Participants will receive dedicated technical mentorship from experienced Google engineers and industry experts, up to Ksh 45.2 million ($350,000) in Google Cloud credits , and strategic support in AI implementation, product leadership, and business growth. They will also gain access to a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators, amplifying their reach and impact, Google said.
The selected startups are drawn from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa and were among more than 1500 applications.
Since 2018, 153 startups from 17 African countries have joined the accelerator and have collectively raised over Ksh 38.7 billion ($300m) in funding and created more than 3,500 jobs.
Google has also directly contributed $5 million through a combination of equity-free funding and product credits to support these founders.
