Six innovative South African startups have been selected to join the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Black Founders programme, securing ZAR1 million (US$50,000) in non-dilutive funding and up to ZAR3.6 million (US$200,000) in Google Cloud credits. The announcement was made during the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town and underscores Google’s commitment to empowering Black-owned startups across the continent.
The programme, which opened applications in October, will provide the selected startups with tailored mentorship, one-on-one training, and networking opportunities with global experts. Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s Head of Startups Ecosystem for Africa, emphasized the importance of startups in driving economic and social progress, noting that the initiative is designed to address unique challenges faced by African entrepreneurs. He highlighted the combination of funding, cloud credits, and expert guidance as instrumental in helping these startups scale and succeed.
The selected startups represent diverse industries, from e-commerce and logistics to fintech and sustainable fashion:
Aveade: A digital marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, focusing on accessibility and a wide range of products to make online shopping inclusive and empowering for vendors.
Breaze Delivery: An on-demand delivery platform that links businesses with a fleet of drivers to ensure efficient and timely last-mile delivery.
Mapha Logistics: A startup providing digital tools to township, peri-urban, and rural merchants, streamlining their business operations and improving efficiency in underserved areas.
Swagshack: A platform for ordering and delivering street fashion, bridging the gap between emerging fashion brands and their customers to support independent designers.
Vuleka: An e-commerce and fintech solution connecting informal township businesses to broader customer bases, both online and offline, while promoting financial inclusion.
Wisi-Oi: A video-based platform for buying and selling pre-loved fashion, championing sustainable practices in the growing resale fashion market.
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Aiyegbusi expressed excitement about the programme’s potential to foster innovation, stating that past beneficiaries from similar Google initiatives have collectively raised over $30 million to scale their businesses. He noted that the resources provided would enable the startups to bridge digital gaps and bring transformative solutions to their communities.
The programme, part of Google’s broader Black Founders initiative, aims to create lasting socioeconomic impact by nurturing innovation, advancing digital transformation, and promoting job creation in Africa. Google’s ongoing efforts to support African entrepreneurs demonstrate its commitment to fostering a thriving tech ecosystem across the continent.
