Applications are now open for the 2026 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Program, a three-month hybrid accelerator designed to support growth-stage African technology startups.
This flagship accelerator brings together the best of Google’s people, products, programs, and technology to help founders scale impactful solutions across the continent. The program combines remote and in-person learning, technical mentorship, and hands-on sprint projects to help startups solve critical business and engineering challenges.
Program Overview
- Duration: 3 months
- Format: Hybrid (remote + in-person)
- Cohort Size: 10–15 startups per cohort
Each cohort participates in a global series of accelerator programs where founders collaborate, learn, and build alongside Google experts and industry leaders.
What the Program Offers
Dedicated Expert Support
Founders identify their most pressing technical and business challenges and are paired with Google engineers and industry specialists for one-on-one problem solving and strategic guidance.
Deep Dives & Workshops
Startups gain access to specialist sessions covering:
- Product design and development
- Customer acquisition and growth
- Leadership and founder development
- Technical architecture and scaling
Google Product & Technology Benefits
Eligible participants may receive:
- Early access to Google AI products through Trusted Tester and Early Access Programs
- Google Cloud credits to support product development and scaling
- Free Cloud TPU access to accelerate open-source machine learning research
Key Benefits
- Equity-free participation throughout the program
- Dedicated mentoring from Google teams
- Exclusive invitations to Google-hosted technical bootcamps (where available)
- Access to Google’s global network of industry experts
- Strategic guidance on company growth and product strategy
- Hands-on collaboration with Google experts on core technical challenges
- Access to professional networking platforms and curated educational resources
ALSO APPLY FOR:
Falling Walls Global Competition 2026 for Science Innovators
Entry Requirements
Startups applying should:
- Demonstrate clear traction and ideally be at the growth stage
- Be building a scalable product or service with a large total addressable market
- Have a defensible and sustainable growth model
- Be deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies such as machine learning or AI
- Commit to active participation from the CTO and/or key technical team members
Google encourages applications from all qualified African startups, particularly those using technology to solve meaningful problems at scale.
Application Timeline
- March 18, 2026: Applications close
- April 2026: Program kick-off
- June 2026: Graduation
Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Program
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