To accelerate growth among the African tech industry focusing on startups, Google reportedly revealed three autonomous programs that will bolster the African tech up ecosystem with high-end tech resources. These programs are also scheduled for three months with intensive mentorship, virtual training boot camps, and Google product support.
These programs powered by Google also include initiatives empowering young entrepreneurs across African countries. This Google.org program is backed up with a $3 million grant to a leading philanthropic initiative — the Tony Elumelu Foundation. The grant given to the Elumelu Foundation is expected to empower female entrepreneurs across all 54 countries in Africa.
Other programs powered by Google include the Black Founders Fund, BFF — the African program the tech company set to launch and opening of applications for a new $3 million grant. The third program is called Google for Startups Accelerator, GFSA, across African countries.
It worth noting that Tony Elumelu’s Foundation is expected to utilize Google’s $3m grant to fulfill its philanthropic initiative, whereby training more thousands of women with low digital skills to be qualified as an entrepreneur. This program is exclusive for all African women from rural areas that currently operate in an informal industry.
According to Google, the grant given to Elumelu’s Foundation will also serve as a seed capital reserved for female participants aspiring to be full-time entrepreneurs — this program is exclusive for females designated in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and a few other French-speaking countries. This program is expected to uplift several women with zero opportunities whereby it serves as a boost welcoming aspirants to the corporate world.
Remember, Google’s GFSA program commenced earlier this year with 15 selected startups within Africa — these infant companies were added to Google’s 6th class program that started on June 21. Google intends to support these initiatives with building businesses, especially in their infant stage.
“Google understands that the growth and success of one player in the startup space lay the path for others.” the Managing director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa, Nitin Gajria, said the funding will be available for over 50 start-ups within Africa. “This is what drives the commitment to empower entrepreneurs and startups and effectively driving employment and enabling both economic and social development on the continent.”
Gajria also noted that these startups seeking funds are expected to eligible to bypass the criteria. “We are determined to help black founders grow their businesses, not just through access to capital but also access to the best of Google’s resources,” in these enlisted countries such as Nigeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa — BFF Africa is open to these countries.
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