Google has selected four Nigerian startups for the 10th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme. The selected startups, Bani, MasteryHive AI, Regxta, and Termii, made it into the final list of 15 startups chosen across Africa.
What makes this even more impressive is the level of competition. The programme received nearly 2,600 applications, meaning less than one percent were selected. That alone says a lot about the quality of the Nigerian startups that made the cut.
This selection highlights how far Nigeria’s tech space has come. Startups are no longer just building basic solutions, they are now using advanced technology like artificial intelligence to solve real problems across industries. From payments to financial services, these founders are building tools that people and businesses actually need.
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What These Startups Are Building
Each of the four startups brings something different to the table, but they all have one thing in common: they are solving real, everyday challenges using technology.
Bani is focused on cross-border payments, helping African businesses avoid delays when sending and receiving money internationally. This is a big deal for companies that rely on fast and smooth transactions to operate.
MasteryHive AI is tackling issues in the financial system by automating processes like transaction tracking, fraud detection, and anti-money laundering checks. In simple terms, they are helping financial institutions work faster and more securely.
Regxta is working on financial inclusion by helping small businesses that don’t have access to traditional banking. By using alternative data to assess credit, they are opening doors for micro businesses that are often overlooked.
Termii, on the other hand, is building communication infrastructure that ensures important messages like OTPs, alerts, and transaction notifications are delivered reliably. In a world where digital banking is growing fast, this kind of reliability is very important.
Why This Matters for Africa’s Tech Future
This isn’t just about four startups getting selected, it reflects a bigger shift happening across Africa. More founders are building solutions that go beyond local problems and can scale globally.
Google also pointed out that African startups raised about $3.9 billion in funding in 2025, showing that the ecosystem is still growing despite challenges. However, scaling tech businesses in Africa still requires better infrastructure, access to cloud tools, and strong mentorship. That’s where programmes like this accelerator come in.
The selected startups will go through a hybrid programme running from April to June 2026. During this time, they will receive mentorship, technical support, and training focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning. They will also get access to Google’s global network, which can open doors to new opportunities.
Since it started in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme has supported over 100 startups across 17 countries. These startups have gone on to raise over $263 million and create thousands of jobs, showing the real impact of the initiative.
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Nigeria’s Tech Talent Is Getting Global Attention
The inclusion of four Nigerian startups in this cohort is another strong signal that the country remains a key player in Africa’s tech space. It shows that local founders are not just building for today, but creating solutions that can compete on a global level.
As these startups go through the programme, the focus will be on how they grow, scale, and expand their impact.
At RefinedNG, we’ll keep spotlighting the people and innovations shaping Africa’s future. Stay with us for more stories that matter.