This week in tech: AI is taking center stage—fueling startups, reshaping personal assistants, and even reimagining how we learn languages. Here’s a quick breakdown of the biggest stories making waves.
Google’s 2025 Africa Accelerator Opens for Applications
Google has officially opened applications for its 2025 Africa Accelerator Program. This initiative is designed to support early-stage African startups that are integrating artificial intelligence into their solutions.
The three-month hybrid program provides:
- Equity-free support (no company shares required)
- Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
- Access to expert mentorship and technical training
- Valuable networking opportunities with investors and global partners
Deadline to apply: May 9, 2025
Since its inception, the program has supported over 140 startups, helping them raise more than $300 million and generate over 3,000 jobs. If your AI startup is ready to scale, this is a key opportunity. Apply here.
Nigeria’s Bankly Acquired by C-One Ventures
Bankly, a Nigerian fintech company that has helped over two million unbanked and underbanked individuals gain access to digital financial services, has been acquired by C-One Ventures.
Bankly’s suite of savings, credit, and investment tools will now integrate with C-One’s fintech portfolio, which includes GetPayed, gomoney, and Fulcrum.
Bankly’s co-founder and CEO Tomilola Majekodunmi will remain involved in an advisory role. This move signals further consolidation in Nigeria’s financial services space and could lead to broader access to digital finance tools for underserved communities.
Meta Launches Standalone AI App
Meta has launched its first standalone AI app—designed to make its AI assistant more personal, flexible, and accessible across platforms.
Built with Meta’s Llama 4 model, the app offers:
- Voice and text-based conversations
- Image generation and editing
- Integration with Ray-Ban Meta glasses and Meta’s social platforms
- A Discover feed to explore how others are using AI
It’s available now in select countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and is aimed at making everyday tasks smarter and more personalized.
Google Experiments with AI Language Tools
Google is testing three new language-learning tools using its Gemini AI model, aimed at making language acquisition more interactive and situational:
- Tiny Lesson: Learn phrases based on real-world situations
- Slang Hang: Practice informal conversations with native speaker simulations
- Word Cam: Use your camera to identify objects and translate them in real-time
The tools are currently available in 15 languages through the Google Labs platform. They’re experimental for now but show promise for bite-sized, contextual learning on the go.
Tech Tip of the Week
Create a dedicated bookmarks folder for all your AI tools. Whether it’s Meta AI, Google Labs, or image generators—saving them in one spot makes it easier to stay organized. Label them clearly so you don’t have to dig through your browser every time.
It’s a tiny habit that pays off big when you’re juggling multiple experiments or apps.
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