Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply

Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa is Google's equity-free accelerator for African tech startups. It started in 2018 as Launchpad Accelerator Africa and has run once a year since. Google takes no equity and gives no cash.

The value is technical: Google engineers and product experts work with each startup on its top technical problem, with a strong preference for machine learning and AI. Selected startups get mentoring from Google teams, technical bootcamps, access to Google's industry expert network, early access to Google AI products through Trusted Tester and Early Access programs, and Google product credits. They can also apply for Google Cloud credits.

Class 10 took 15 startups from nearly 2,600 applications. It ran from April 13 to June 19, 2026, with startups from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, Angola, Ivory Coast, Uganda and Tanzania. Google said in April 2026 that the program had supported 106 startups from 17 African countries, and that alumni had raised more than $263 million and created more than 2,800 jobs.

Known alumni include PiggyVest, 54gene, Thrive Agric, Curacel and Stears. Google also runs a separate South Africa accelerator, which in 2026 offered up to R1 million in equity-free funding.

The program runs for three months in a hybrid format. Each cohort has 10 to 15 startups. It starts with a kick-off, then mixes remote and in-person one-to-one and group sessions.

Each startup works on sprint projects tied to its top technical challenge, paired with Google engineers and outside experts. Founders attend technical bootcamps and sessions on product strategy, growth and leadership. Startups get early access to Google AI tools and can apply for Cloud credits and free Cloud TPU access for open-source ML research.

The CEO and CTO must attend all required program elements. The program ends with graduation and a Demo Day, which for Class 10 took place in June 2026.