Applications for Google for Startups Accelerator Programme are open 

Global tech giant Google has announced that applications for the prestigious class six  Google for Startups Accelerator Programme are now open. In a commitment to the African startup ecosystem, Google has also announced the launch of new developer scholarships that are held in partnership with Pluralsight and Andela.

Applications close on 14 May 2021

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.” 

 Google for Startups Accelerator Programme

The three-month programme includes three intensive virtual training bootcamps, mentorship, and Google product support. 

The accelerator is accepting applications from over 17 African countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal. South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

The programme is expected to kick off on June 21 2012 and aims to support the growth of the startups through their crucial growth phases. 

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa provides early-growth stage startup participants with access to the best of Google – its people, networks, and advanced technologies. 

The accelerator trains participating startups on technology (AI/ML, Cloud, Android, Firebase), product, data, business, design, people, growth and fundraising, through interactive workshops and labs facilitated by Google experts and mentors.

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 recognise Africa’s exceptional digital potential, and that is why Google is committed to providing this critical support for African startups.” 

Interested applicants must apply online.

Googles new developer scholarships

The newly launched initiative will offer Android, Web, and Google Cloud scholarships are being offered to beginner and intermediate developers resident in Africa.

According to reports, 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.

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. 

According to the Africa Internet Economy 2020 report, sponsored by Google and IFC, Africa’s Internet economy is poised to boost the continent’s economy by 5.25% in the next five years. The report states that the headwinds caused by COVID-19 will not deter the growth of Africa’s internet economy, which is projected to contribute nearly $189-billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025, increasing to $712-billion by 2050.

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Featured image: Rajeshwar Bachu via Unsplash