Google has marked International Women’s Day with the announcement of three new initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa.
The search giant aims to provide these entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to succeed in their respective fields.
The initiatives, which include the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort, the Hustle Academy for Women-Led SMEs, and a social media series celebrating inspiring women in Africa’s technology sector, are part of Google’s commitment to bridging the gap and empowering women in Africa.
Folarin Aiayegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, expressed his excitement about the selected startups for the inaugural class of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort.
“We are thrilled to announce the selected startups for the inaugural class of our Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort. These women are tackling some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, and we’re excited to support them as they build the future,” he said.
The 15 startups chosen for the program are from eight African countries, and they are developing innovative solutions that improve livelihoods in their respective communities.
Google’s Hustle Academy is a boot camp-style training program designed to help entrepreneurs increase revenue, position themselves for investment, and build sustainable businesses for the future.
As part of its International Women’s Day celebrations, Google plans to host six women-focused cohorts of the Hustle Academy program in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa throughout March. Women entrepreneurs in these countries are invited to apply to join these cohorts at g.co/hustleacademy.
Finally, Google is celebrating inspiring women in Africa’s technology sector through its #WomeninIT social media series.
The series features the stories of six inspiring women who are breaking barriers and making an impact in the fields of technology, business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and startups on the continent.
Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications, Google Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing women entrepreneurs in Africa with access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
“At Google, we are committed to providing women entrepreneurs in Africa with access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through our programs, we aim to bridge the gap and empower women to succeed in their respective fields,” she said.
Here are the details of the 15 startups selected for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Women Founders Cohort below.
No. | Startup Name | Country |
---|---|---|
1. | Afriwell Health | Congo |
2. | Alajo App | Nigeria |
3. | eWaka | Kenya |
4. | Farmer Lifeline | Kenya |
5. | Maxibuy | Nigeria |
6. | MosMos | Kenya |
7. | Gobeba | Kenya |
8. | Hepta Pay | Rwanda |
9. | Jem HR | South Africa |
10. | Kola Market | Ghana |
11. | Mipango | Tanzania |
12. | Smart Ikigega | Rwanda |
13. | Suitch | Cameroon |
14. | Tyms Africa | Nigeria |
15. | Zydii | Kenya |