Google initiates first dedicated Startups Accelerator for women founders in Africa
By Onome Amuge
Google has announced that applications are now open for the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders Africa Programme, aimed at empowering and supporting women founders on the continent by providing resources and opportunities for them to scale their startups and address African problems.
A statement by the multinational technology company said women founders who are building tech startups in Africa or for Africa can apply through the programme website at g.co/acceleratorafrica before the February 20th, 2023 deadline. It added that 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 programme, scheduled for 12-weeks 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 Google for Startups Accelerator Women Founders Africa Program is an extension of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program established in 2017, and reflects Google’s dedication to supporting startups and addressing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Africa.
Commenting on the programme, Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google, said:
“We are excited about the open call for applications for our 3-month accelerator programme, 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.”
Citing a World Bank report , Aiyegbusi noted that African female founders face challenges in their entrepreneurial pursuits, including limited access to funding. He noted that despite these challenges, the women make up a significant portion of African entrepreneurs, with 58 per cent of businesses in Africa being owned by them.
As a result, the head of Startup Ecosystem at Google remarked that elevating the participation and leadership of women in the entrepreneurship ecosystem is crucial for promoting gender equality and driving economic growth in Africa. He also noted that 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.
The Women Founders will be mentored by industry experts who will provide guidance and support to the selected participants throughout the programme, playing an instrumental role in helping the startups achieve their full potential and create a positive impact on their communities.
Akua Nyame-Mensah, a mentor for the programme remarked that it is an honour to be a mentor in the inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator Program for Women Founders.
“As part of supporting the next generation of leaders in Africa, this programme 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,” Nyame-Mensah said.