Google has restated its commitment to the startup ecosystem in Africa, announcing the opening of applications for the sixth Class of the Google for Startups Accelerator programme, and the launch of new developer scholarships in partnership with Pluralsight and Andela.
The online programme, which includes three intensive virtual training bootcamps, mentorship and Google product support, is open to applications from 17 countries across Africa, including Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The aim is to support the growth of the startups through their crucial growth phases.
The announcements were made during a recent virtual event, where Google hosted key industry players, policy leads, startup executives and investors driving the growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem.
They reviewed opportunities unfolding throughout the internet economy, paying special attention to the support of developers and startups in the region.
Applications for the programme, a three-month initiative that is slated to start on June 21, 2021, will be open until May 14.
For Google’s new developer scholarships, Android, Web and Google Cloud scholarships are being offered to beginner and intermediate developers resident in Africa.
A total of 40,000 scholarships will be offered to developers, spread across Mobile and Cloud development tracks. The top 1,000 students at the end of the training will earn a full scholarship to certify on Android or Cloud development.
According to the Head of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, Onajite Emerhor, “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 sixth 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.”
The African startup ecosystem is a key driver of economic growth on the continent, with Africa’s tech space experiencing a significant upswing in startup success stories.
Managing Director of Google sub-Saharan Africa, Nitin Gajria, said: “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.”
