Tech

Google partners USAID to expand small business growth in Kenya

Published

1 year ago

August 4, 2023

Google has announced a partnership with the USAID eTrade Alliance aimed at expanding Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) in Kenya.

The collaboration, which is in conjunction with the Hustle Academy Program in the eastern African country, will provide 2,500 SMBs with access to critical resources and digital tools to foster growth over 18 months, bringing the number of SMBs trained in Kenya to 3,700.

East Africa Country Director for Google, Agnes Gathaiya, who announced the partnership, said the Hustle Academy which was launched in 2022, was conceived to tackle the lack of financial resources, providing SMBs across Sub-Saharan Africa with the requisite skills, tools, and knowledge to harness digital technology and secure funding.

“Our partnership with the USAID e-Trade Alliance allows us to augment this impact, placing a special emphasis on harnessing e-commerce to catalyse a robust digital economy across Kenya,” she said.

“The effectiveness of the program is rooted in its 5-day bootcamp, which provides hands-on training and actionable advice. The comprehensive curriculum touches on key areas: business strategy, sales enhancement, digital marketing, financial planning, and successful pitching techniques.

“Through a strategic partnership with the USAID eTrade Alliance, capabilities in ecommerce are also integrated, creating a cohesive and practical learning journey and this equips small to medium businesses (SMBs) with the tools necessary to formulate growth plans, devise effective digital marketing strategies, identify and access funding opportunities, pitch successfully to investors, and harness the power of online selling,” she added.

Also eulogising the collaboration, USAID eTrade Alliance Senior Manager for Africa Programs, Michael Poor, said the Alliance was proud to launch the Google Hustle Academy eCommerce program in Kenya.

“With a core mandate to promote economic growth for MSMEs through digital commerce and trade, this partnership with Google’s Hustle Academy supports the Alliance’s commitment to deliver on its goals.”

Click to comment

Tech

AfriLabs to host ‘Annual Gathering’ in Cape Town

Published

9 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Pan-African innovation hub, AfriLabs, has announced Cape Town, South Africa, as the host of its “Annual Gathering” scheduled to hold between November 6 and 8 under the theme, “Uniting Innovation”.

In the statement issued by the Executive Director of AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, this year’s “Annual Gathering” emphasises the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth and social development through Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

‘It will feature seven key tracks, each focusing on pivotal sectors that are essential for Africa’s future, such as makerspaces, gender and inclusion, investment, and hub solutions,” she said.

Ekeledo also revealed that AfriLabs has secured a number of partners for the event including RLabs, NASENI, Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Intel and UNFPA.

“The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent,” Ekeledo added.

AfriLabs is a network organisation that is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. It counts 496 hubs across 261 cities in 53 African nations as part of its network.

Tech

Young African tech-preneurs invited to apply for 2025 Anzisha Prize

Published

1 day ago

November 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which comes with mouthwatering offers such as access to benefits, services, and prize money.

The Anzisha Prize is delivered by African Leadership Academy in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, with the aim of increasing the number of job-generative entrepreneurs in Africa.

It is designed to accommodate 35 exceptional entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 22 who will be selected for a multi-year fellowship experience, during which fellows will receive business support including business coaching, experiential learning and resources to help them develop and scale their ventures.

According to the organizers, businesses that show exemplary growth and initiative will be rewarded with benefits and services such as short courses, cloud services and cash support.

“At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and successes for a chance to win their share of prizes to the value of $50,000,” a statement by Didi Onwu, managing editor of the Anzisha Prize, said.

“The grand prizes are split into four categories – job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and integrating systems and processes. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will graduate and join the prestigious Anzisha Prize alumni network.

“This year, the Anzisha Prize is placing a special emphasis on green entrepreneurs. We are looking for passionate individuals who are tackling environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable business solutions,” said Onwu.