By Juliet Umeh
The latest report from the Google for startups Black Founders Fund, BFF, has revealed that black-led startups across Africa have raised $379 million since the programme’s launch three years ago.
This was disclosed on Tuesday at Black Founders Fund Alumni Summit, held at iHub in Nairobi to unveil the BFF Impact Report.
The Google for startups Black Founders Fund is a programme designed to support black-led startups in building and growing their businesses.
The BFF Impact Report revealed that, “BFF-supported startups have collectively raised $379 million, created more than 6,000 jobs, and experienced 61 percent faster growth than their peers.”
Country Director, West Africa, Google for Startups, Olumide Balogun, remarked, “The Black Founders Fund is not just about financial support, it’s about creating an ecosystem of innovation, job creation, and opportunity.
“The BFF Impact Report reflects the incredible progress black entrepreneurs have made, and how the right resources can empower them to lead Africa’s digital future.
“The impact we are seeing today will set the stage for an even more vibrant African tech landscape tomorrow.”
Also, Black Founders Fund Manager Europe, Google for Startups,
Mariama Boumanjal, said: “The BFF Impact Report proves that with the right support, Black founders cannot only overcome these challenges, they can lead the way in innovation, job creation, and economic development.”
Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa, Folarin Aiyegbusi said: “The report is a celebration of the incredible work being done by Black founders across Africa.
“The BFF Impact Report proves that, when we invest in these entrepreneurs, we’re not only helping individual startups, but we’re driving systemic change within the broader African tech ecosystem,” Aiyegbusi said.
