Google has launched 40,000 new developer scholarships in Africa-The programme targets developers spread across mobile and cloud development tracks.
Google is partnering with two other companies, Pluralsight a technology workforce development company and Andela an engineering talent network to offer the scholarships.
In a statement released by the company, Google will offer full scholarships for Android ,Web and Google cloud development to beginner and intermediate level across Africa.40,000 scholarships are on offer and at the end of the training the top 1,000 students will earn a full scholarship to certify in Android or Cloud Development.
The virtual event brought together key stakeholders in the Africa Tech space such as media, policy leads, startup executives and investors.
During the event that took place online, the participants reviewed trends unfolding throughout the internet economy.
The company also announced application for the 6th edition of Google for Startups Accelerator Programme, a three-month programme slated to start on 21 of June 2021, applications are ongoing until May 14 2021.
This programme will be conducted online and it will include 3 intensive virtual training bootcamps, mentorship and google product support.
The program will be available in 17 countries across Africa including Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe with an aim to support the advancement of startups through their crucial growth phases.
Nitin Gajria, Managing Director for Google Africa, said the company is exited to continue their journey with African Startup and developer communities because they believe that Africa startup ecosystem is a key driver of economic growth on the continent. The growth of all players in the tech space is collective, the success of one lays the path for others.
In 2020 due to the covid 19 pandemic, the company held the first virtual class of Google for Startups Accelerator Programme.20 startups from 7 countries were selected to participate in the 12-week pogramme to redefine their offering and as well receive mentorship and attending workshops.
Google for Startups Accelerator is a global series of programs for growth-stage startups to get technical, product and leadership training from experts, tailored to their business.
The entry criteria is based on startups that are deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies such as machine learning and AI, secondly those that demonstrate traction between seed and series A stage and lastly those that build a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model. Google has been working to support developer communities in Sub Saharan Africa.
Last year for instance, the company launched a first Google Developers Space, a hub for African developers, entrepreneurs and startups in Lagos Nigeria following a commitment made by Sundar Pichai to African entrepreneurs in 2017.The space is a platform where developers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and investors connect and collaborate with each other.