Google has announced a series of initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. The three new initiatives 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.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, the tech giant announced the 15 startups that have been selected for the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort. These startups are from eight African countries and are creating innovative solutions that improve livelihoods in their communities. The selected startups include:
- Afriwell Health (Congo)
- Alajo App (Nigeria)
- eWaka (Kenya)
- Farmer Lifeline (Kenya)
- Maxibuy (Nigeria)
- MosMos (Kenya)
- Gobeba (Kenya)
- Hepta Pay (Rwanda)
- Jem HR (South Africa)
- Kola Market (Ghana)
- Mipango (Tanzania)
- Smart Ikigega (Rwanda)
- Suitch (Cameroon)
- Tyms Africa (Nigeria)
- Zydii (Kenya
Google’s Hustle Academy is a bootcamp-style training program designed to help entrepreneurs increase revenue, position themselves for investment, and build sustainable businesses for the future. Google plans to host six women-focused cohorts of the Hustle Academy program in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa throughout the month of March.
Google is also 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.
According to Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications, Google Africa, “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.”
Initiatives like these are much needed in Africa, where women entrepreneurs face numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, networks, and training opportunities. By providing access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Google is helping to bridge this gap and empower women to succeed in their respective fields.
For more information on the company’s International Women’s day initiatives, please visit https://blog.google/intl/en-africa/company-news/outreach-and-initiatives/IWD2023
