Ten startups have been chosen by Google for its three-month virtual Africa Accelerator Program, which aims to help African startups use technology to address some of the most critical problems facing the region.

After reviewing close to 1,000 applications, the startups from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda were chosen, demonstrating exceptional talent and inventiveness within the African tech community.

The dominant search engine stated in a statement on Wednesday that African startups are essential to the continent’s technical advancement and economic growth.

According to Google, these firms are improving living conditions all around the continent and generating jobs at the same time by providing customized solutions to local problems.

As investment flows have slowed due to the present “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa, the IT company stated that the tenacity and inventiveness of African entrepreneurs still shine.

“Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries.

“These startups have collectively raised over $263m and created more than 2,800 direct jobs, showcasing the program’s substantial impact on the African tech landscape,” the technology multinational stated.

The emphasis on artificial intelligence in this year’s cohort underscores the growing significance of cutting-edge technologies in tackling Africa’s most critical issues.

The eighth cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program is a pleasure to welcome, according to Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startups Programs for Google in Africa.

“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.”

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Class 8 includes

CDIAL AI (Nigeria): Transforming multilingual communication across Africa with the power of artificial and collective intelligence.

Earthbond (Nigeria): Lighting up homes and businesses across Africa with affordable, reliable energy solutions, bolstered by carbon accounting and development finance.

Fixxr (South Africa): Putting car owners and businesses in the driver’s seat with transparent and convenient on-location vehicle maintenance and repair services.

Lifesten Health (Rwanda): Innovating health and wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health.

MyAIFactchecker (Nigeria): Equipping users with an AI-powered tool to combat misinformation and promote informed decision-making through fact-checking.

Nakili (Kenya): Bringing salons, barbershops, and spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management and enhanced customer experiences.

NextCounsel (Nigeria): Supercharging lawyer productivity with an AI-powered tool for contract management, solicitor engagement, compliance, and more.

Nobuk Africa (Kenya): Simplifying financial management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports.

Rana Energy (Nigeria): Providing clean, reliable energy solutions to SMEs and communities through a data-driven ecosystem.

Triply (Kenya): Building Africa’s travel operating system, connecting travellers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools.

The ten startups will take part in a structured program from July 29 to September 20, 2024, to support their growth. According to Google, these firms will gain direct access to the knowledge of seasoned business owners and mentors who have completed the startup journey.

“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 statement highlighted.

In their quest to scale their solutions and make a bigger impact, these entrepreneurs’ enrollment in the accelerator program represents a critical milestone.