Three Nigerian startups have been selected as part of the first cohort of the ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First’ programme.
The transformative power of AI in Africa is highlighted by a McKinsey report which suggests that AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030.
Famasi Africa (Nigeria), a startup dedicated to building the OS for pharmacies in emerging markets; Izifin (Nigeria): Providing an end-to-end credit infrastructure via API for small businesses and Vzy (Nigeria), a startup that revolutionise website building with AI-driven tools that craft sites in mere minutes, were among the 11 startups, picked from a vast pool of innovative talent, who are using cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address both Africa’s challenges and broader global issues.
Others selected for the programme are Avalon Health (South Africa): Empowers patients with streamlined online healthcare access and offers doctors digital tools to enhance care; Chatbots Africa (Ghana): Spearheading SMEs’ transition into the Social Commerce era with AI-driven online storefronts; Dial Afrika Inc (Kenya): Tailoring customer support tools for global businesses, with a focus on African SMBs.
“Fastagger Inc (Kenya): Using AI to amplify sales and loyalty, supporting MSMEs’ growth; Garri Logistics (Ethiopia): Digitalizing freight brokerage and transport services; Lengo AI (Senegal): Launching the first Data-Driven OS for the Informal Sector; Logistify AI (Uganda): Minimising inventory losses in industrial facilities and Telliscope (Ethiopia): Offering an AI-enabled business intelligence platform.
The selected startups will undergo a 10-week accelerator journey. Beyond benefiting from Google’s AI expertise and a $350k allocation in Google Cloud Credits, they will benefit from mentorship sessions, technical guidance, and networking opportunities to enhance their reach and impact.
In a press statement, made available to LEADERSHIP, head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, Google, Folarin Aiyegbusi, remarked tha, “At Google we’ve been working on AI for over a decade, and we’ve shown how useful AI is in our products and for developers externally. AI is not only a powerful enabler, it’s also a major platform shift. That’s why we’re focused on making it easy and scalable for others to innovate with AI. Our chosen startups for the ‘AI First’ program embody this vision, leveraging AI in pioneering ways to address both local and global challenges. We’re here excited to support and amplify their impact.”
Speaking on the selection: Adeola Ayoola, CEO/Co-founder of Famasi Africa (Nigeria): “Famasi Africa is scaling AI-powered digital health solutions to reach more underserved communities. Joining the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program represents a significant step towards realising that dream. With Google’s mentorship, we’re confident of scaling our solutions, reaching more pharmacies, and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.”
One of the startups selected, Avalon Health (South Africa) averred that, “Avalon Health is scaling AI-powered digital healthcare solutions to reach every South African.With the support and mentorship from the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program, we believe we can scale our solutions even further, ensuring every South African has access to top-tier healthcare services.”
CEO and co-founder of Dial Afrika (Kenya),
Japheth Dibo, added, “Dial Afrika is revolutionising customer support in Africa with cutting-edge AI-powered solutions.Being selected for the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program will allow us to leverage advanced AI technology to make this vision a reality. With this support and mentorship, we aim to revolutionise customer support and equip businesses across the African continent with the tools to thrive and excel.”
Since 2017, Google has consistently supported African startups across diverse programs. Collectively, these startups have raised $263 million and created over 2,800 job opportunities.
