Growth-stage startups invited to apply for Google Accelerator Africa 10

Growth-stage startups are being invited to apply for Google Accelerator Africa 10, a three-month, 12-week “AI First” hybrid programme aimed at Series A companies based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions with artificial intelligence and machine learning. The programme promises access to Google’s AI expertise and technical resources, mentorship from seasoned AI professionals and networking opportunities, and applications are open until March 18.

"bring the best of Google’s programmes, products, people and technology to communities across Africa," the programme description reads, underscoring Google’s intention to connect its tools and talent with startups tackling the continent’s challenges.

Programme details and eligibility

The Google Accelerator Africa 10 cohort is designed specifically for growth-stage startups that can demonstrate traction and have built a scalable product or service. According to the announcement, applicants must show a significant total addressable market and a defensible growth model. The call also stresses that successful applicants should be committed to contributing to cohort culture by "building accelerator classes with great startups," and organisers say they "encourage applications from all qualified startups."

• Duration: 12-week hybrid programme (three months)
• Target stage: Series A startups based in Africa or building Africa-centric AI/ML solutions
• Benefits: access to Google’s AI expertise, technical resources, mentorship from AI professionals, and networking opportunities
• Application deadline: March 18

The announcement, reported on Disrupt Africa by Tom Jackson, does not detail the mix of virtual and in-person activities but frames the accelerator as a hybrid offering. Participants are expected to gain technical support that could include guidance on product development, scaling AI models, and operational best practice, alongside opportunities to connect with other founders and potential partners.

Context and ecosystem momentum

The invitation to apply comes as regional activity in the African startup ecosystem continues to register notable funding and strategic moves. Disrupt Africa’s recent listings highlight rounds such as Kenya-based mobility startup Spiro raising $50m to meet demand for battery-swapping infrastructure, digital lender Fido Ghana securing a $5.5m debt investment, Moroccan retail-tech startup WafR raising $4m in seed funding, and South African fintech Lula receiving $21m from FMO to expand services to MSMEs. Such deals frame the accelerator’s potential to help Series A companies convert momentum into scale.

Organisers are encouraging eligible founders to submit applications through the Google Accelerator Africa process before the March 18 deadline. The programme’s emphasis on AI and machine learning reflects a targeted push to fold advanced technical capabilities into Africa-focused products and services, offering a platform for growth-stage startups seeking assistance to scale across the continent and beyond.