Headlines
Google Announces ‘AI First Accelerator Program’ for African Startups

Google Announces ‘AI First Accelerator Program’ for African Startups
Google on Tuesday unveiled the “Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First”, an initiative aimed at supporting African startups looking to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve local challenges.
Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head, Startup Ecosystem, Africa said in a statement that this program recognises the transformative role that AI is playing across the world, innovating industries and reimagining the realms of possibilities.
Aiyegbusi said that it also highlights the significant contributions of African startups in addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges through the use of AI.
‘’Africa’s tech landscape is vibrant and ever-evolving, it is inspiring to see African startups not only harnessing AI to address our unique challenges but also setting benchmarks for the world.
‘’AI First’ is more than a program; it’s a testament to our belief in the vision of these startups, ensuring they have the support and guidance they need to realise their full potential.
‘’This program recognises the transformative role that AI is playing across the world, innovating industries and reimagining the realms of possibilities,’’ he said.
According to him, It also highlights the significant contributions of African startups in addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges through the use of AI.
Read Also: AI pioneer resigns from Google, joins critics of chatbots
He said that the ‘AI First’ program is aimed at supporting startups keen on delving into AI’s possibilities.
Aiyegbusi said that it draws learnings from past initiatives such as the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa, and the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund.
Other include the Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders, the primary aspiration remains consistent: to support and highlight African-driven solutions.
The head, said that the participants would benefit from access to Google’s AI expertise, technical resources including up to $350000 Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from seasoned AI professionals, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Aiyegbusi said that since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries.
He said that Collectively, these startups have raised over $263 million in funding and created over 2,800 direct job opportunities in the region.
Aiyegbusi said that applications for the 10-week equity-free accelerator are now open, inviting startups up to the series A stage based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions with AI and machine learning.
(NAN)
Google Announces ‘AI First Accelerator Program’ for African Startups
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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