This archive report was first published on 25 June 2021.
On June 21, 2021, Google announced a $6 million initiative to support women and young entrepreneurs in at least 13 African countries.
The programme, which is part of Google's efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa, includes three key initiatives.
Firstly, Google will grant $3 million to the Tony Elumelu Foundation to support women-owned startups in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and other countries. This funding will provide entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and coaching to at least 5,000 women, as well as one-time cash grants to 500 African women aspiring entrepreneurs.
Secondly, Google has launched a $3 million fund called the Black Founders Fund for Africa, which aims to benefit 50 budding startups in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The fund will provide cash awards and hands-on support to black-led startups in Africa without ceding any equity stake.
Lastly, Google for Startups Accelerator Africa class 6 will select 15 startups to participate in a three-month online programme comprising virtual training boot camps, mentorship, and Google product support.
