- In recognition of International Women’s Day, Google has unveiled three new initiatives designed to empower and give African women entrepreneurs the resources they need to succeed.
- These initiatives are the Hustle Academy for Women-Led SMEs, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort, and a social media series celebrating inspiring women in Africa’s technology sector.
“Embrace Equity,” this year’s theme, emphasises the importance of closing the gender gap and advancing equal opportunities.
Although women constitute a significant proportion of the African technology sector, many face challenges in obtaining funding and technical expertise.
Consequently, Google believes empowering female entrepreneurs with the following initiatives is critical to developing a more equitable and prosperous Africa.
Google Hustle Academy
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contribute significantly to the continent’s economic growth and employ more than 80% of the workforce.
But these businesses won’t invest in growth if they don’t have working capital, resulting in stagnation. Consequently, Google Hustle Academy plans to equip female-led SMEs with the needed skills to grow their business revenue, attract investors and customers, and create long-lasting companies.
Throughout March 2023, Google will host six women-focused cohorts of Hustle Academy in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. If you are a female entrepreneur in one of these countries, visit http://g.co/hustleacademy to apply.
Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort
This accelerator programme plans to offer technical and business workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities for investors to women business owners.
The tech giant has selected 15 startups from eight African countries for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort programme.
These startups include Hepta Pay (Rwanda), Afriwell Health (Congo), Alajo App (Nigeria), Jem HR (South Africa), Mipango (Tanzania), Suitch (Cameroon), Zydii (Kenya), and Kola Market (Ghana).
According to Folarin Aiayegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, “These women are tackling some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, and we’re excited to support them as they build the future.”
Inspiring Stories from #WomeninIT
Google is inviting African women to join its #WomeninIT social media series.
The series will tell the stories of six remarkable women breaking barriers and positively impacting the continent in business, technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, and startups.
According to Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications, Google Africa, “Through our programs, we aim to bridge the gap and empower women to succeed in their respective fields.”
Happy International Women’s Day!
