“A new report, Africa Internet Economy 2020, sponsored by Google and the International Finance Corporation, predicts that the continent’s digital economy will boost Africa’s GDP by 5.25%, contributing almost $189 billion to GDP by 2025. The global tech giant sees the African startup ecosystem as a key driver of economic growth”.
On Saturday, June 12, 2021, African technology entrepreneurs will start training as class six of the prestigious Google for Startups Accelerator Programme. Applications for the programme, which is meant to attract entrepreneurs running Seed to Series A start-ups, have just opened.
The three-month programme, which includes three intensive virtual training bootcamps, will provide beneficiaries with access to Google products, network, experts, and other resources.
Aside from Nigeria, the programme is open to applicants from Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal. South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, amongst others.
Also Read: https://arbiterz.com/google-launches-second-news-initiative-in-africa/
The sixth class is the second edition that will be taking place virtually as a result of the new coronavirus pandemic. Speaking about the call for applications for class six, Onajite Emerhor, the Head of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, said the tech giant tends to advance its commitment to support the African tech environment.
“Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first virtual class of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa was launched. It was the first all-online iteration of Google’s accelerator program for Africa and saw 20 startups from seven countries undergo a 12-week virtual journey to redefine their offering while receiving mentoring and attending workshops. This year, with the 6th cohort, we want to continue to play our part by supporting developers and startups within the Africa tech ecosystem, ensuring they get all the access and support necessary to see them continue to grow,” Emerhor stated.
On his part, Nitin Gajria, the Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa, explained that African startups are very critical to the continent’s economic transformation.
He commented, “The growth of entrepreneurship is crucial, especially in the African context. African developers and startups play a critical role in the transformation of the African economy, creating new opportunities and paving the way for the economic and social development on the continent that we want to see. We recognise Africa’s exceptional digital potential, and that is why Google is committed to providing this critical support for African startups.”
Google for Startups Accelerator is a global initiative established for growth-stage startups. Amongst other things, the programme provides beneficiaries with technical, product and leadership training from experts, tailored to their businesses.
African Alumni of the Google for Startups Accelerator include Ugandan start-up M-Scan that is making ultrasound and critical healthcare accessible for women throughout East Africa.
