UK government’s Go Global Africa programme opens call for applications

Go Global Africa, a scheme run by the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through its International Tech Hub Network is calling for applications from African tech startups.

The programme, which first launched last year, aims to build links with the UK’s digital sector and pave the way for future economic partnerships.

The programme is currently open to firms from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa developing tech solutions in the verticals of fintech, agritech, healthtech and clean energy.

Applications close next Monday (3 February).

Entrepreneurs who have developed products that are ready to go to market and that have already raised investment are invited to apply.

The UK government’s has opened applications to African startups to take part in the second Go Global Africa programme

The 15 most promising startups, as determined by in-country pitch events, will be invited to the UK in March.

Pitch finals will be held on 25 February in South Africa, 26 February in Nigeria and 28 February in Kenya

In the UK, those who are chosen from the three pitch events, will benefit from a five-day training programme. The programme is designed to improve business skills and capability, build links with the UK’s tech sector and work with UK expertise to grow their business.

The successful African startups will be expected to act as Go Global champions and share the skills they have learned with other firms across the continent.

Go Global Africa is part of the UK Government’s Prosperity Fund Digital Access Programme led by the Department for International Development and is delivered in partnership with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to help boost digital.

The Digital Access Programme aims to boost digital skills and connectivity and build the cybersecurity capacity of partner countries. It will also help create a thriving digital ecosystem that will stimulate innovation to address local development challenges, create skilled jobs and generate partnerships between the UK and Africa.

Today’s launch follows the first successful Go Global Africa programme last year which saw 18 tech startups from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa visit London.

SA fintech company GLU, graduates of Go Global Africa 2019, landed two more significant global deals resulting in a positive cash flow position and allowed them to expand their team.

Featured image: Skitterphoto via Pixabay