Google has announced the participants in Google for Start-ups Accelerator Africa Class 7. The selected start-ups are developing solutions in areas such as healthcare, education, fleet management, logistics automation and recruiting.  

This seventh class includes 15 tech start-ups from seven African countries, with Cote D’Ivoire joining for the first time. The class was selected from thousands of applications, with final selection based on product stage, programme alignment and market fit.

Over the next three months, they will work with Google mentors and facilitators learning best practices on a range of topics including artificial intelligence, big data, organisational culture, growth strategies and more.

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programmes are organised around a virtual bootcamp concept that includes seminars, one-on-one coaching sessions, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Bootcamps will take place in March, April and May.

“We're thrilled to be starting off our seventh cohort with such a diverse and inspiring group of companies that are harnessing technology to tackle the problems that many people on the continent face every day. Start-ups in Africa are solving some of the region's most pressing issues -from employment to logistics, banking, healthcare, and education. This is a journey that we're happy to be on”, said Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Start-up Ecosystem, Africa.

The Google for Start-ups Accelerator Africa programme has supported 82 start-ups from 17 African countries over the past four years. Collectively, they have raised $112 million and created 2800 direct jobs. Google has invested $5m through a combination of equity-free funding and product credits for Google services. 

“Google is committed to Africa’s growing start-up and developer ecosystem, providing end-to-end support and investment to start-ups. This pays off for everyone in the long run. As these start-ups grow, they advance their local economies, create jobs and opportunities, and provide solutions in their communities. A stronger African economy is great for everyone, and Google is committed to helping African businesses thrive,” he said.

Selected South African start-ups (in alphabetical order)

• Multiplied: Multiplied offers data-driven design at scale through infinite personalised content for marketing.
• Nulitics: Nulitics is a specialist Mixed Reality (XR) software development and system integrator with a focus on XR wearable technology.
• The Marking App: The Marking App provides a data-free application that automatically marks handwritten school assessments while also automating school administration.