By Starrys Obazei | March 8, 2023
starrys@ddnewsonline.com
Google has launched three new initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and other African countries.
The 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.
The initiatives, according to the firm, are in commemoration of International Women’s Day.
The Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, Folarin Aiayegbusi, commenting on the initiative, said: “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.”
Google also stated that its 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. It stated that it will host six women-focused cohorts of the hustle academy programme in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa throughout March.
The firm further revealed that it has selected 15 startups from Nigeria, and seven other African countries for the initiatives.
The Head of Communications, at Google Africa, Dorothy Ooko, added: “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.”
According to the firm, the startups selected for the Startups Accelerator Africa Women Founders Cohort 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), and Zydii (Kenya).