Deadline: September 10, 2025
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025 is a three-month hybrid programme hosted in South Africa, designed for Seed to Series A technology startups from across the continent. The accelerator brings together Google’s programmes, people, products, and technology to help African founders solve their toughest technical and business challenges.
If your startup is based in Africa and you’re ready to scale, this South Africa-hosted accelerator offers the resources and support you need.
About the South Africa Cohort
This cohort is part of Google’s global accelerator series. For 2025, it will be delivered in hybrid format: a mix of in-person sessions in South Africa and remote engagements.
Each cohort includes 10–15 selected startups, working directly with Google mentors and industry experts through:
- Group and one-to-one learning sessions
- Sprint projects tailored to startup challenges
- Deep dives in areas such as product, leadership, and customer acquisition
Key Benefits for Startups
Startups joining the South Africa-based accelerator will receive:
- Equity-Free Support – Full ownership of your company retained.
- Dedicated Mentorship – From Google teams and industry professionals.
- Specialist Training – Bootcamps, workshops, and leadership development.
- Technical Partnerships – Hands-on support from Google engineers to solve core technical challenges.
- Google Cloud Credits – Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, plus training and event access.
- TPU Research Cloud Access – 30 days of free Cloud TPU access for open-source ML research.
- Direct Funding – Each participating startup receives R1 million.
- Early Access – Priority access to Google’s newest tools and technologies.
- Networking & Exposure – Demo Day and access to Google’s network of experts, investors, and partners.
Entry Criteria
To qualify for the South Africa cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025, startups must:
- Be at Seed to Series A stage, already demonstrating traction.
- Have a scalable product or service with strong market potential.
- Be deeply technical, ideally using AI or ML.
- Have a committed CTO or technical co-founder participating in programme sessions.
- Be based in Africa, with founders able to attend hybrid sessions in South Africa.
Timeline – South Africa Cohort 2025
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 18 August 2025 |
| Applications Close | 10 September 2025 |
| Programme Kick-off | 29 September 2025 |
| Duration | September – December 2025 |
| Demo Day & Graduation | December 2025 |
Why Apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025?
This South Africa-hosted cohort offers direct funding, equity-free support, technical expertise, and cloud resources tailored for African startups. Unlike many accelerator programmes, it combines cash support (R1 million per startup) with cutting-edge mentorship and access to Google’s global ecosystem.
If you’re a founder ready to scale your business, the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025 – South Africa Cohort could be your best opportunity this year.
Application and More Information
👉 Apply here for the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025 – South Africa Cohort
👉 Read more about the programme
Final Note
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa 2025 – South Africa Cohort gives founders the chance to grow with world-class resources while staying rooted in Africa. With equity-free funding, R1 million in direct support, access to Google Cloud, and mentorship from global experts, this is a unique opportunity to scale sustainably.
For help with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
