Seven startups from Nigeria have been selected to take part in the first edition of the Go Global Africa programme. The progamme is designed to help them improve their business skills and capability.
The seven Nigerian startups selected for the programme includes; Innovation Corner, Thrive Agric, eTras2Cash, PiggyVest, HelpMum, Social Lender and Helium Health.
These Nigerian startups are joined by 13 other startups from Kenya (6) and South Africa (7) for this first cohort. They were all selected from over 400 applicants developing cutting-edge products and services in various industries including fintech, healthcare, agritech and water management.
The Go Global Africa programme is part of the UK government’s efforts to create mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa and develop new tech to solve local and global issues. The programme is also aimed at paving the way for future trade by build links between startups in selected areas with the UK’s thriving tech sector. This, it hopes, will take the startups to the next level.
It is fantastic to welcome these talented entrepreneurs to the UK. Africa is a vibrant and dynamic continent, with huge potential for growth, and the firms chosen for the first Go Global Africa programme see tech as a force for good in society.
UK’s Digital Minister Margot James.
The programme was initially started by the UK Israel Tech Hub. This has resulted in new UK-Israel collaborations in the digital economy over the last four years. According to the most recent report on its impact, the UK-Israel Tech Hub has led 175 tech partnerships in deals worth £85 million.
These 20 African startups selected for this cohort will receive training/mentoring from various firms. Some of these courses and firms include pitching classes from Enterprise Academy, a public speaking masterclass, advice on scaling up from PriceWaterHouseCoopers’ dedicated startup team and the Natwest Fintech Accelerator.
The Bethnal Green Ventures accelerator will also provide the startups with insights on how to launch and scale tech for good ventures, while Carlos Espinal from Seedcamp will provide guidance on fundraising.
After the 2 week programme, startups would further receive support from the UK’s International Tech Hub Network – which now spans three continents and has seven hubs.
They will also act as Go Global champions and share the skills they have learned to mentor other startups in their respective countries. This is to help spread digital skills, capability and entrepreneurial spirit to create jobs.
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