As part of its ongoing commitment to achieving gender parity, Google has launched an initiative to increase women’s economic empowerment in developing nations across Africa.
In contrast to other accelerators like Y Combinators and TechStars, Google’s Black Founders Fund has achieved gender parity as of 2022.
The Google For Start-ups Accelerator Africa: Women Finder’s cohort accepted fifteen women-owned enterprises from eight different African nations. There, they received in-depth training, mentoring, and access to an investor network. The goal of Google’s programme is to support women who are using cutting-edge technology and innovation to tackle some of Africa’s most pressing issues.
Read also: 5000 African Entrepreneurs Graduate From Google Hustle Academy
15 startups that made the cut
Gobeba is an e-commerce platform that provides basic needs to city dwellers in Africa. A new company in Kenya is saving the lives of farmers by providing them with agri-tech solutions that detect pests and diseases in crops before they cause severe damage.
Mipango, a piece of locally modified software, continues to enjoy significant appeal in Tanzania because of the individualised financial assistance it offers to women. Founded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afriwell Health facilitates patient access to medical professionals in any country.
Zydii is an online learning platform that offers courses tailored to help Africans excel in business and other fields.
The usage of technology like Smart Ikigega, which helps with harvest management and market connectivity, is one of the simplest ways for Rwandan farmers to find customers before harvest.
Anyone, smartphone or not, can use the Alajo App to bank with the company’s agents and make regular savings. You can stock up on everyday necessities at rock-bottom prices by shopping at Mega Buy, a Nigerian online marketplace.
Kola Market can help you grow your company’s income by implementing innovative approaches to selling, advertising, and securing financing.
With the help of the MosMos platform, Africans can put money away for a later purchase. Hepta pay is an app that allows Rwandans living abroad to send money to their loved ones back home through mobile money and card payments.
Jem HR, a web-based tool used by managers in South Africa, is a simple HR and payroll solution that allows them to communicate with their entire employees using WhatsApp.
Suitch is a convenient and secure mobile money solution for those who are always on the go. It provides digital financial services to the under-banked and un-banked to promote growth in Cameroon. Tyms Africa is a quick and easy way to get a microloan.
eWaka is a green logistics platform for parcel delivery services and a micro-mobility service for individuals that use electric vehicles on demand.
Multichoice Accelerator Programme Expands To Eight New Countries
Google Launches other Business Training Programs
Google is also launching a business training programme just for women in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa called the Hustle Academy. Women-led businesses will benefit from the programme’s intensive training by improving their bottom lines, making themselves more attractive to investors, and setting themselves up for long-term success.
Kenya is typical of the way SMEs operate across Africa, contributing 48% of the GDP and providing employment for 84% of the population. Yet, due to issues like poor management and a lack of cash, the vast majority of African businesses close shop after only five years in operation.
Google is teaming up with nonprofits to help and inspire African women to start and grow businesses. As a result of Google’s many programmes, businesses managed by women were able to grow and hire additional staff.