Google launches new programmes to bolster African innovation, female entrepreneurship
Google has announced the launch and opening of applications of a new US$3 million Black Founders Fund (BFF) Africa programme, and a Google.org-backed US$3 million grant to the Tony Elumelu Foundation to support female entrepreneurs on the continent.
Disrupt Africa reported earlier today 15 startups from across the continent had been selected for the sixth cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, which kicks off today. The three-month online programme, which includes virtual training bootcamps, mentorship and Google product support, is designed to support these nascent businesses through their early growth phases.
Applications are now open for access to funding, as well as technical and business support, for 50 early-stage startups across the continent in 2021. BFF Africa is open to all startups in Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe, that meet the eligibility criteria. Applications will close on July 7.
We are dedicated to building a world where all women can thrive. According to data collected by the World Bank in 10 African countries, male-owned enterprises have six times more capital than female owned enterprises. This huge capital gap is not stopping the rise of female entrepreneurs, but it slows them down and makes their journeys that much more challenging. We hope that the grant to The Tony Elumelu Foundation will help accelerate the growth of women techmakers and entrepreneurs in Africa,” said Gajria.
