By Gift James
Google has opened applications for the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator Women Founders Africa Program which aims to empower and support women founders on the continent by providing resources and opportunities for them to scale their startups and address African challenges.
African female founders face challenges in their entrepreneurial pursuits, including limited access to funding. Despite these challenges, women make up a significant portion of African entrepreneurs, with 58percent of businesses owned by them.
“We are excited about the open call for applications for our three-month accelerator programme specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by women founders in Africa,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Startup Ecosystem Africa at Google, in a statement.
“We believe that investing in women founders in Africa is critical for economic empowerment that will enable the creation of jobs for the growing African youth population,” Aiyegbusi said.
He said elevating the participation and leadership of women in the African entrepreneurship landscape is crucial for promoting gender equality and driving growth.
“Investing in women-led startups is a key step towards achieving this goal, and Google’s commitment to these goals is reflected in the launch of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Programme,” he added.
Women founders who are building tech startups in Africa or for Africa can apply through the program website at g.co/acceleratorafrica before the February 20th, 2023 deadline. Eligible applicants must have a working product or service, a viable business model, and a working team. The application process includes a written application and an interview with the programme team.
The 12-week programme will commence in March 2023 and include one bootcamp per month, held in a hybrid style of online and in-person sessions. Selected participants will receive access to Google’s products, mentoring from industry experts, resources, tools, and technology, as well as networking opportunities and connections with investors to support the growth of their startups.
The women founders will be mentored by industry experts who will provide guidance and support to the selected participants throughout the programme. They will be instrumental in helping the startups achieve their full potential and create a positive impact on their communities.
Akua Nyame-Mensah, a mentor for the programme said, “It’s an honour to be a mentor in the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator Programme for Women Founders.”
“As part of supporting the next generation of leaders in Africa, this program offers women an opportunity to grow their networks and the accountability to achieve their professional goals. The focus on mentorship will be invaluable. Participants will benefit and grow from the exchange of ideas and experiences.”
