Google Empowers African Entrepreneurs with 2024 Accelerator Initiative
In a remarkable move to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship within Africa, tech titan Google has officially announced the selection of six dynamic start-ups for its 2024 cohort of the Google for Start-ups Accelerator Africa: Black Founders programme. This exciting initiative, aimed specifically at enhancing the potential of black-owned businesses in South Africa, was unveiled at the vibrant Africa Tech Festival.
Running until March 2025, this opportunity follows an earlier call for applications from enthusiastic entrepreneurs ready to make their mark in the tech ecosystem. Each selected start-up will receive a substantial financial boost, with up to R1 million (approximately ,000) in non-dilutive funding and R3.6 million (around 5,000) in Google Cloud credits. Such support is pivotal in enabling businesses to innovate and grow.
Folarin Aiyegbusi, the head of Start-ups Ecosystem, Africa at Google, emphasized the vital role that entrepreneurs play in driving economic sustainability. “We understand that these businesses are crucial not just for survival but also for social development,” he noted. Beyond funding, the start-ups will also benefit from personalized training and extensive networking opportunities, connecting them with seasoned mentors who can guide them through the unique challenges they face.
Among the six outstanding start-ups selected are:
1. Aveade: An innovative online marketplace designed to connect buyers and sellers while prioritizing accessibility and diverse product offerings.
2. Breaze Delivery: A cutting-edge delivery platform that links businesses with a fleet of drivers for efficient product transportation.
3. Mapha Logistics: Empowering local merchants in townships, peri-urban, and rural areas with digital tools to enhance their business operations.
4. Swagshack: An intermediary service for trendy street fashion, connecting emerging brands with their style-savvy customers.
5. Vuleka: A trailblazing e-commerce and fintech platform that bridges the gap between informal businesses and consumers through both online and offline channels.
6. Wisi-Oi: A unique platform enabling users to buy and sell pre-loved fashion items through engaging video content.
This recent cohort continues the tradition of supporting high-impact start-ups, adding to the hundreds of previously accelerated businesses from Africa and beyond, which have collectively secured over million in funding. As Aiyegbusi concludes, “We are eager to see how these enterprises will leverage their new resources to drive digital transformation, eliminate barriers, and foster greater accessibility for communities in South Africa and throughout the continent.”
In a time when innovation is more crucial than ever, initiatives like these remind us of the immense potential that lies within Africa’s vibrant entrepreneur community.
Tags
#SouthAfrica #TechNews #Startups #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #Entrepreneurship #WorldNews
