Editor’s note: African-Startups is a sister publication of EU-Startups, bringing trusted coverage of startups, venture capital, and innovation across Africa.
Google for Startups has named 15 South African startups for its 2026 Accelerator South Africa programme. This is the third year the programme has run. It received over 1,000 applications this time, its highest number yet for South Africa.
The 15 startups were chosen for using AI to solve problems in FinTech, EdTech, mobility, healthcare and SaaS. Over the next three months, each will receive up to $60,000 (R1 million) in equity-free funding.
“We started the Google for Startups Accelerator: South Africa to give these founders what they need to build with confidence,” said Google.
Google for Startups is a three-month hybrid programme that brings Google’s products, people and technology to tech startups in South Africa. Each cohort has 10 to 15 startups, who work through remote and in-person sessions, one-to-one support and sprint projects. The programme is equity-free.
Over the next three months, these teams will work closely with Google engineers and mentors and leave with the tools, the network, and the confidence to grow. They join a programme that, since 2018, has supported more than 190 startups across 17 African countries, companies that have raised over $400 million and created more than 3,500 jobs.
Ambani Africa
Ambani Africa helps kids learn African languages through fun and interactive content. They provide lessons, health information, and training in the languages spoken at home, using formats like audio, video, and games, where people already are: in your apps, your website, WhatsApp and voice calls.
Anvaya Legal AI
Anvaya Legal AI simplifies legal research and document drafting for legal teams. It functions as an AI-powered legal assistant designed for speed and precision. With Anvaya, legal professionals can efficiently analyse cases, review contracts, and draft documents. It supports tasks like managing complex disputes and preparing for litigation, aiming to save time and improve accuracy. Users can securely upload various documents into a centralised repository. The AI analyses these materials and provides real-time summaries, clause reviews, and document drafts based on verified legal case law (SAFLII).
Boleka Africa
Boleka Africa connects underbanked communities with fair credit, savings, and digital payments. Creditworthy borrowers seek low-cost loans, while smart savers look for better returns. The platform matches them, ensuring everyone receives what was promised. One investor lends to multiple borrowers, spreading risk, while borrowers can choose from various investors offering the lowest interest rates. This process allows investors to earn good returns while borrowers obtain affordable loans quickly.
Bro Cabs
Bro Cabs makes commuting reliable and affordable. Broz Travels is a travel agency focused on creating memorable experiences. They offer a variety of trips, from family vacations to adventurous getaways. Their travel experts have extensive knowledge of destinations and keep up with the latest trends to secure great deals. Whether someone wants to relax on a beach, explore a city, or seek adventure, they can help with planning.
Buddy Learning
Buddy Learning provides personalised, low-data tutoring directly to learners and aims to address rising unemployment by allowing young people to earn an income using their skills. The platform is evolving with the development of Buddy AI, a multilingual AI tutor on WhatsApp, which offers personalized, curriculum-aligned academic support at scale. The objective is to make quality education accessible to all learners, regardless of their background or location.
Daedalis
Daedalis provides a data infrastructure and AI solution for supply chains, focusing on African businesses. Their platform, OpenTRD.com, helps organisations manage supplier records, gather compliance documents, and coordinate onboarding and procurement processes. For supply chain teams, the aim is to reduce the time spent searching for information and to clarify outstanding requirements. For IT teams, the goal is to integrate with existing systems while maintaining control over information and ensuring traceability of approved changes. Initially targeting South African mining and industrial sectors, Daedalis aims to enhance African management of enterprise data and AI in the long run.
Dataseka
Dataseka transforms chaotic and scattered operational data into clear insights. It is a data analytics and visualisation platform that enables teams to create live dashboards from their questions. Users can connect their data, explore with Seeka, and share insights to improve decision-making.
Fly n Pay Later
Fly n Pay Later offers travellers flexible, interest-free instalment options for booking flights and travel packages. It uses advanced technology to provide customizable payment plans, allowing users to book flights, hotels, and other travel services while spreading the cost over manageable instalments.
KasiCoach
KasiCoach connects youth in townships and rural areas with career mentorship through its platform, which features seven AI coaching personas available on WhatsApp and Telegram. The service is free and requires no downloads. It is supported by Sicoja Training CC, which has been established since 2002 and is QCTO-accredited with a B-BBEE Level 1 status, providing experience and credibility in skills development.
Muna Africa
Muna Africa supports fashion retailers in launching circular resale and trade-in programs. They provide the infrastructure needed for retailers to engage in large-scale resale, promoting growth while maintaining brand trust. Their goal is to make the fashion industry more sustainable for both people and the planet.
Propela Health
Propela Health connects skilled African health workers with global healthcare systems. The startup aims to make international healthcare recruitment ethical, affordable, and efficient, promoting a transparent process that helps health workers advance their careers wherever they choose.
Scale
Scale helps African startups launch and issue custom card products effortlessly. It addresses major barriers, allowing these organisations to launch efficient and effective card programs while considering local requirements. The company focuses on resilience and innovative solutions for complex emerging markets.
Thuto
Thuto is an education management platform that rewards students for their progress in academics, sports, and culture by turning their everyday pocket money into a virtual currency called Thuto Coin.
Tradeflow Technologies
Tradeflow Technologies offers a platform for hospitality venues like restaurants, bars, and hotels that streamlines the procure-to-pay process. It digitises ordering, deliveries, and stock receiving, converting invoices into structured data. The platform centralises ordering and reconciliation, providing clear cost visibility without requiring changes to existing POS systems.
Zumii
Zumii streamlines school supply shopping for families and schools. The platform helps parents with school stationery through WhatsApp. By sending a stationery list, an AI engine quickly generates a quote. The team then takes care of sourcing, labelling, covering, packing, and delivering the items. Zumii also partners with schools for bulk orders and provides corporate stationery packs. It is owned by Black women and holds a B-BBEE Level 1 certification.
