The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is designed to bring the best of Google’s programs, products, people and technology to startups that leverage machine learning and AI in their company today or plan to in the future. In addition to mentorship and technical project support, the accelerator also includes deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition and leadership development for founders, specialized training, media opportunities and access to Google’s network of engineers and experts.
Applications are open until May 14 to entrepreneurs from 17 countries across Africa running tech startups targeting their local markets with a proven product-market fit. Entrepreneurs from Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe, can apply to the three-month acceleration program that will kick off on June 21.
Onajite Emerhor, Head of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, comments on the announcement of the opening of the applications for class six.
“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.”
Nitin Gajria, Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa, explains that it is critical to foster and support entrepreneurship in Africa.
“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 recognize Africa’s exceptional digital potential, and that is why Google is committed to providing this critical support for African startups.”
Google has also announced the launch of new developer scholarships in partnership with Pluralsight and Andela, as part of its commitment to further ensure the development of Africa’s startup ecosystem.
The newly launched initiative focused on the growth of developers in Africa will offer Android, Web, and Google Cloud scholarships to beginner and intermediate developers residents in Africa. At the end of the training, the top 1 000 students will be awarded a full scholarship to certify on Android or Cloud development.
In partnership with @pluralsight we’re offering new 40,000 scholarships to developers spread across Mobile & Cloud development tracks. Top 1,000 students will earn a full scholarship to certify on @Android or Cloud development #Build4Africa
Livestream:https://t.co/NlAksEf6zE— Google in Africa (@googleafrica) April 29, 2021