Google has selected four Nigerian startups—Bani, MasteryHive AI, Regxta, and Termii—for its 10th Google for Startups Accelerator Africa cohort, reinforcing growing investor confidence in Africa’s emerging AI and fintech ecosystem.
The announcement confirmed that the cohort was selected from about 2,600 applications across Africa, with only 15 startups making the final list. The programme continues Google’s focus on supporting high-growth technology companies building scalable solutions for African markets.
According to Google, this year’s accelerator places strong emphasis on AI-driven innovation and infrastructure tools that address real-world challenges in financial systems, digital communication, and enterprise operations across the continent.
The four Nigerian startups selected are building solutions in key sectors. Bani is focused on improving cross-border payments infrastructure to enable faster and more reliable international transactions for African businesses. MasteryHive AI is developing tools for fraud detection, transaction reconciliation, and compliance automation for financial institutions.
Regxta is developing alternative credit-scoring models to improve access to financing for small and informal businesses that lack traditional credit histories. Termii, on the other hand, provides an AI-powered communication infrastructure that enhances the reliability of financial messaging, such as OTP delivery and transaction alerts.
Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google, said the selected startups reflect the growing maturity of African innovation.
“African startups are driving essential economic growth and social development. Our role is to serve as a supportive partner, providing these developers and founders with the technical infrastructure, mentorship, and global network they need to scale their solutions and amplify their real-world impact,” he said.
Google noted that since the accelerator launched in 2018, it has supported over 100 startups across 17 African countries, helping participating companies raise significant funding and expand operations globally.
The 10th cohort will run a hybrid programme from April to June 2026, featuring technical training, product development support, and mentorship focused on scaling AI and machine learning solutions.
The selection of four Nigerian startups highlights the country’s continued leadership role in Africa’s growing technology and artificial intelligence ecosystem.
Read:
- 28+ Potential Funding Providers for Nigerian AI Startups
- How to Build an AI-Enabled Startup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Senior Reporter/Editor
Bio: Ugochukwu is a freelance journalist and Editor at AIbase.ng, with a strong professional focus on investigative reporting. He holds a degree in Mass Communication and brings extensive experience in news gathering, reporting, and editorial writing. With over a decade of active engagement across diverse news outlets, he contributes in-depth analytical, practical, and expository articles exploring artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. His seasoned newsroom experience and well-established information networks provide AIbase.ng with credible, timely, and high-quality coverage of emerging AI developments.