Google to train women-led startups in Nigeria, others

Google Launches Three Initiatives to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Africa

In celebration of International Women's Day, Google has announced the launch of three new initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa. The initiatives are geared towards increasing the participation of women in the African technology sector and supporting women-led startups in Africa. The three initiatives are 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.

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort is an initiative designed to help women-led startups in Africa to scale up their businesses. According to Google, the program aims to provide selected startups with access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Google has selected 15 startups from Nigeria, and seven other African countries for the initiative. 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), and Zydii (Kenya).

Hustle Academy for Women-Led SMEs

Google's Hustle Academy is a boot camp-style training program designed to help women-led SMEs in Africa increase their revenue, position themselves for investment, and build sustainable businesses for the future. Google will host six women-focused cohorts of the Hustle Academy program in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa throughout the month of March.

Social Media Series Celebrating Inspiring Women in Africa's Technology Sector

The third initiative is a social media series that celebrates inspiring women in Africa's technology sector. The social media series aims to raise awareness about the role of women in the African technology sector and inspire young girls to pursue careers in technology.

Commenting on the initiatives, Folarin Aiayegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, 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."

Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications, Google Africa, 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."

In conclusion, Google's three new initiatives are aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa and increasing the participation of women in the African technology sector. The initiatives will provide women-led startups with access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, and will help women-led SMEs in Africa to increase their revenue and build sustainable businesses for the future. The social media series celebrating inspiring women in Africa's technology sector will raise awareness about the role of women in the African technology sector and inspire young girls to pursue careers in technology.