Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Programme selected 15 startups

For the first Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Program, 15 businesses from across the continent have been chosen.

The female-focused accelerator, which is an expansion of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program launched in 2017, seeks to empower and assist female founders on the continent by giving them access to resources and growth opportunities.

One bootcamp per month is part of the 12-week program, which starts this month. Selected participants will have access to Google products, mentoring from business professionals, resources, tools, and technology, as well as networking opportunities and connections with investors to help their startups grow.

eWaka, Farmer Lifeline, MosMos, Gobeba, and Zydii are five of the chosen firms from Kenya; Alajo App, Maxibuy, and Tyms Africa are three from Nigeria. Afriwell Health (Congo), Jem HR (South Africa), Kola Market (Ghana), Mipango (Tanzania), and Suitch round out the cohort. Hepta Pay and Smart Ikigega are from Rwanda (Cameroon).

“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,” said Folarin Aiayegbusi, head of the startup ecosystem for Africa at Google.

In parallel, Google unveiled Hustle Academy, a bootcamp-style training program aimed at assisting company owners in growing their income, positioning themselves for investment, and creating long-lasting enterprises. Google intends to organize six Hustle Academy cohorts with a female focus in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa throughout the month of March as part of their commemoration of International Women’s Day.