Google has unveiled its first business accelerator for female entrepreneurs in Africa

The leading global technology company Google on Tuesday unveiled an initiative that would provide African women entrepreneurs access to resources and possibilities.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the initiative, called “First Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders in Africa,” would support the inclusion of women in the continent’s innovation sector.

Application for the programme is currently open, according to Folarin Aiyegbusi, the Head of Google Startup Ecosystem for Africa.

The deadline to apply is February 20.

In his statement, he expressed Google’s excitement over the open call for applications for its three-month accelerator programme, which is especially designed to solve the particular difficulties encountered by female innovators in Africa.

He asserts that supporting female entrepreneurs in Africa is essential for economic development and employment creation for the continent’s expanding youth population.

“African female founders face challenges in their entrepreneurial pursuits, including limited access to funding.

“Despite these challenges, women make up a significant portion of African entrepreneurs, with 58 per cent of African businesses owned by women.

“Elevating the participation and leadership of women in the entrepreneurship ecosystem is crucial for promoting gender equality and driving economic growth in Africa,” he said.

According to him, the women founders will be mentored by industry professionals who will assist and support the selected participants throughout the curriculum.

He asserted that the sector specialists will be crucial in assisting the startups in realising their full potential and making a constructive contribution to their local communities.

According to Aiyegbusi, the initiative is a continuation of the 2017-founded Google for Companies Accelerator Africa Programme. It demonstrates Google’s commitment to assisting startups and tackling the particular difficulties encountered by female entrepreneurs in Africa.

The 12-week programme, he claims, will start in March 2023 and will comprise one boot camp each month that will be conducted in a mix of online and in-person sessions.

“Selected participants will receive access to Google’s products, mentoring from industry experts, resources, tools, and technology, as well as networking opportunities and connections with investors to support the growth of their startups,” he said.

Akua Nyame-Mensah, one of the mentors, expressed his happiness at having been chosen to serve as a mentor in the first Google for Startups Accelerator Programme for Women Founders.

According to Kwame-Mensah, the programme provided women with the chance to expand their networks and the accountability to achieve their professional goals as part of its support for the next generation of African leaders.