Fifteen startups have graduated from the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator: South Africa programme, an initiative designed to help early-stage ventures leverage technology to address significant challenges across Africa.

The programme, which ran from November 2024 to March 2025, equipped founders with the resources and mentorship needed to scale their businesses and drive economic impact.

In a news release, Google for Startups notes South Africa’s digital ecosystem is rapidly expanding, with initiatives like this providing crucial support to local entrepreneurs who face challenges such as funding gaps and limited access to expertise.

The Accelerator programme offered participants up to $50 000 in non-dilutive funding, up to $200 000 in Google Cloud Credits, and access to mentorship from Google engineers, industry leaders and Developer Experts.

The programme culminated in a demo day held in Bryanston, Sandton, where founders showcased their progress and innovative solutions to investors, mentors and industry leaders. Google for Startups believe the event highlighted the tangible impact of these startups and their potential to make meaningful contributions to economic growth and job creation.

Supporting South Africa’s Digital Transformation

Kabelo Makwane, country director, Google South Africa, emphasised the significance of investing in South Africa’s startup ecosystem. "The talent and creativity demonstrated by these founders are inspiring," said Makwane. "By building solutions that tackle real-world challenges, they are contributing to South Africa’s digital transformation. Our goal is to provide the support these entrepreneurs need to scale their impact and drive innovation across the continent."

Empowering Innovation through AI and Technology

Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, underscored the programme’s focus on empowering startups leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to address key issues. It is noted the curriculum was tailored to equip founders with essential skills such as integrating AI, developing product roadmaps, and implementing growth strategies.

"These startups are embracing advanced technologies to create solutions that address real needs in their communities," said Aiyegbusi. "By providing tailored support, we aim to help them scale their impact and unlock new opportunities for economic growth."

Spotlight on Innovative Startups

The graduating cohort comprises a diverse range of startups harnessing data and cloud technologies to deliver impactful solutions, including:

• Assetshare: An AI-enabled online platform that allows for construction machine rental while tackling significant pain points that include prolonged waiting times and bottlenecks in getting quotations.  
• Aveade: A technology company connecting buyers and sellers through the use of its digital marketplace platform.
• Botlhale AI: Helps organisations effectively engage with their customers in their preferred languages through AI-powered Natural Language Processing.
• Breaze Delivery: Offering ecommerce merchants a turnkey service to fulfil customer orders with same-day delivery in major South African cities.
• Cure Root: Harnessing Africa's biodiversity to discover safer, more effective drugs - faster than ever with AI.
• Delivery Ka Speed: Revolutionising deliveries in townships and rural areas of South Africa, turning neglect into opportunity.
• Fixxr: A tech-enabled automotive services platform connecting vehicle owners with skilled mechanics for on-demand repairs and maintenance.
• Jobox: Connecting students, graduates, higher education institutions and employers to simplify recruitment and bursary programs.
• Mapha Logistics: Empowers small businesses with the necessary digital tools to grow and compete.
• Simple Influence: An ecommerce African content creator marketplace connecting marketers with content creators at scale.
• Swagshack: An online platform connecting emerging South African street fashion brands with a discerning customer base.
• Vuleka: Enabling and empowering the informal economy through providing direct, real time data analytics and insights into township economy businesses and their customers.
• Welo Health: Provides access to healthcare services through a platform which connects corporate clients with the best healthcare professionals.
• Wisi Oi: Video-based marketplace for second-hand clothes.
• Zoie Health: Making women's and family health in Africa more convenient and affordable.

Talking about the programmer, Thapelo Nthite, CEO and co-founder from Botlhale AI said, "The Google for Startups Accelerator has been transformative for our company. The mentorship, resources, and network connections have been invaluable, enabling us to accelerate our growth and refine our business strategy."