Google has officially announced that applications are open for the 2025 class of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa. The program, designed to run over three months in a hybrid format, offers African startups access to mentorship, product development support, and Google’s global network. This year’s edition focuses on seed-to-Series A businesses, with the goal of helping them strengthen their products, refine their strategies, and scale to meet market demands.
The accelerator highlights Google’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship on the continent. By connecting founders with global expertise and technical resources, the program seeks to empower innovators to address Africa’s unique challenges through scalable solutions.
A South Africa-First Approach
While the accelerator has historically been open to startups across Africa, Google has made an interesting pivot for the 2025 edition. The current call for applications is limited to South African-based founders, even though the wider program still emphasizes Africa’s continental ecosystem. Applications will remain open until September 10, 2025, giving interested founders several days to prepare.
This focus on South Africa reflects the country’s position as one of Africa’s most developed startup hubs, with robust infrastructure, strong talent pipelines, and increasing investor interest. Google’s decision signals a strategic emphasis on strengthening ecosystems where venture capital and innovation already intersect.
Why the Accelerator Matters
Selected startups will benefit from hands-on mentorship by Google experts, tailored workshops, and direct access to advanced product support, including cloud technology. Beyond technical assistance, the program offers unmatched opportunities to connect with investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs across Google’s global network.
The accelerator also comes at a critical time for African founders, many of whom face limited access to capital and resources despite strong talent and ideas. With Google’s support, startups gain not only technical backing but also credibility that helps them attract further investment.
Building on Google’s African Footprint
Google’s accelerator is part of a broader effort to nurture Africa’s digital economy. Since launching in 2018, the program has supported over 140 startups across the continent, which have gone on to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and create thousands of jobs. By narrowing the 2025 call to South Africa, Google is testing a more localized strategy while still reinforcing its pan-African vision.
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025 offers South African founders a unique opportunity to tap into global expertise while tailoring solutions for local and continental markets. With applications closing on September 10, the program promises to equip startups with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to thrive in Africa’s fast-evolving digital landscape.
