Only one African app makes Google Play’s first-ever apps accelerator shortlist

Class54, a Nigerian exam preparation app, has been accepted into the inaugural Google Play Apps Accelerator, making it the only app from Africa chosen for the program.

The selection comes as Google expands its support for early-stage app developers globally. Launched in late 2025, the Google Play Apps Accelerator is designed to help promising startups scale their products and reach wider audiences. Companies selected from over 60 eligible countries are participating in a 12-week program that kicked off in March 2026.

Notably, the accelerator provides founders with one-on-one mentorship from Google teams and industry experts. The curriculum focuses on four key areas: product development and scaling, user acquisition, monetization strategies, and founder growth. Importantly, the program is free and does not require equity.

Class54, an edtech startup based in Nigeria, is focused on helping students prepare for high-stakes examinations such as the JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), WAEC, and POST-UTME. The app is available across Android, iOS, and Windows platforms, and offers access to more than 107,000 past questions, many of which can be used offline.

In addition, the platform integrates AI to identify students’ weak areas and recommend personalized study paths. According to the company, its users recorded an average JAMB pass rate of 73.54% in 2022 higher than the national average of 21% at the time.

More broadly, Class54’s selection highlights Africa’s growing presence in the global tech ecosystem. With 54 countries and a population exceeding 1.4 billion people, the continent is increasingly mobile-first, with a rising demand for accessible digital education tools.

For Nigeria in particular, the opportunity is significant. Millions of students sit for JAMB each year, many from low-income backgrounds with limited access to quality study resources. By building an app that works even with limited internet connectivity, Class54 is addressing a critical gap in the education system.

Now, through the accelerator, the startup gains direct access to Google’s product, engineering, and growth expertise.

Last updated: March 26, 2026