Google opens up next startup accelerator programme
Google recently strengthened the growth of mobile and cloud software products skills in Kenya and 16 African countries by disbursing 40,000 scholarships.
The developer scholarships will offer Android, Web and Google Cloud skills development at beginner and intermediate level where the top 1,000 students at the end of the training will earn a full scholarship to certify on Android or Cloud development.
Onajite Emerhor, head of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, said due to the Covid-19, the first virtual class of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa was launched.
Google is running this mission in partnerships with Pluralsight and Andela. The launch was the first all-online iteration of Google’s accelerator programme for Africa that saw 20 startups from seven countries undergo a 12-week virtual training to redefine their offering while receiving mentoring and attending workshops.
“With the sixth cohort coming in 2021, we want to continue playing our part via support to developers and startups within the Africa tech ecosystem,” Onajite says.
The announcement also ushered in the three-week applications’ window for the sixth cohort of the programme, which runs until Friday, May 14.
Successful applicants will undergo the three-month programme, slated to start on June 21, 2021, which will include three intensive virtual training bootcamps, mentorship and Google product support.
The Africa Internet Economy 2020 report says Africa’s Internet economy is poised to boost the continent’s economy by 5.3 per cent in the next five years.
The report adds that the headwinds caused by Covid-19 will not deter the projected growth of the continent’s internet economy, which is projected to contribute nearly Sh20 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2025, increasing to Sh75 trillion by 2050.
“We recognise Africa’s exceptional digital potential, and that is why Google is committed to providing this critical support for African startups,” said Nitin Gajria, Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa.
