Google has selected 15 South African startups for the 2026 edition of the Google for Startups Accelerator: South Africa programme, a three-month initiative offering non-equity funding, technical mentorship, and access to advanced artificial intelligence technologies.
The programme targets growth-stage startups leveraging artificial intelligence and forms part of Google’s broader plan to support 50 South African startups between 2024 and 2028. Each selected company may receive up to approximately $60,000 without founders being required to surrender equity stakes in their businesses.
Participants will also gain access to Google’s AI tools, cloud computing infrastructure, and models such as Gemini, with the aim of improving their products and strengthening technical capabilities.
Applications for this edition opened in July and attracted more than 1,000 expressions of interest. Following the selection process, 15 South African-led, revenue-generating startups were chosen.
According to the technology news platform Disrupt Africa, the selected startups include:
Ambani Africa: an application that helps children learn African languages and maintain connection with their mother tongues;
Anvaya Legal AI: uses AI to accelerate legal research, drafting, and document analysis;
Boleka Africa: a fintech platform seeking to expand access to credit, savings, and payments for underbanked individuals;
A Bro: a mobility platform connecting passengers to affordable transport options;
Buddy Learning: provides tutoring via WhatsApp with multilingual support and low data consumption;
Daedalis: focused on building verified data infrastructure and AI solutions for supply chains;
Dataseka: transforms dispersed business data into actionable insights for decision-making;
Fly n Pay Later: a financial platform enabling users to book flights and pay in instalments;
Kasicoach: offers AI-based mentorship via WhatsApp and Telegram for youth in peri-urban and rural areas;
Muna Africa: develops infrastructure to help retailers implement second-hand clothing resale programmes;
Propela Health: a digital marketplace connecting African healthcare professionals with international employers;
Scale: enables startups to launch payment card products;
Thuto: develops AI-based educational tools;
Tradeflow: a platform that automates invoicing and supplier ordering for restaurants;
Zumii: uses WhatsApp to source, prepare, and deliver school supplies to parents.
Through the programme, Google aims to support the growth of the selected companies by facilitating access to funding, technical expertise, and technologies that can contribute to the development of their solutions and the expansion of their businesses.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=552269
