Google launches first dedicated Startups Accelerator for women founders in Africa
By Guardian Nigeria
08 February 2023 | 3:10 am
Google has announced that applications are now open for the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Program. The program aims to empower and support women founders on the continent by providing resources and opportunities for them to scale their startups and address African problems.
FILE PHOTO: A sign is pictured outside a Google office near the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, U.S., May 8, 2019. REUTERS/Paresh Dave/File Photo
Google has announced that applications are now open for the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Program. The program aims to empower and support women founders on the continent by providing resources and opportunities for them to scale their startups and address African problems.
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 program team.
The 12-week program 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.
Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google. Folarin Aiyegbusi, said: “We are excited about the open call for applications for our three-month accelerator program, specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by women founders in Africa. 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.”
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 58 per cent of businesses in Africa being owned by women.
“Elevating the participation and leadership of women in the entrepreneurship ecosystem is crucial for promoting gender equality and driving economic growth in Africa.
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 Program”, added Aiyegbusi.
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