By Juliet Umeh
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the International Women’s Day today, Google has announced three new initiatives aimed at empowering 15 women entrepreneurs in Africa and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
The technology giant said that the 15 startups selected for the programme were from eight African countries and that they are creating innovative solutions that improve livelihoods in their communities.
Some of those startups include, Alajo App, Maxibuy, Tyms Africa, own by Nigerians.
Others are Jem HR, MosMos own by a South African and Kenyan respectively among others.
Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Goggle, Folarin Aiayegbusi, said that the initiatives include the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort; the Hustle Academy for Women-Led SMEs, and a social media series celebrating inspiring women in Africa’s technology sector.
Aiayegbusi said: “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.”
According to him, “Google’s Hustle Academy is a bootcamp-style training program designed to help entrepreneurs increase revenue, position themselves for investment, and build sustainable businesses for the future.
“Google also plans to host six women-focused cohorts of the Hustle Academy program in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa throughout the month of March.
“Women entrepreneurs in these countries are invited to apply to join these cohorts at g.co/hustleacademy.
“Finally, Google is celebrating inspiring women in Africa’s technology sector through its #WomeninIT social media series. The series features the stories of six inspiring women who are breaking barriers and making an impact in the fields of technology, business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and startups on the continent,” Aiayegbusi said.
Also speaking, Head of Communications, Google Africa, Dorothy Ooko, said: “At Google, we are committed to providing women entrepreneurs in Africa with access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through our programs, we aim to bridge the gap and empower women to succeed in their respective fields.”
