Amazon’s cloud computing subsidiary, Amazon Web Services (AWS), has selected nine African organisations for the fourth cohort of its Social Entrepreneur Accelerator programme, the company said on Tuesday, marking the largest continental representation in the global initiative.
The organisations from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroon and South Africa are among 42 social enterprises from 16 countries chosen for the accelerator, which provides technical training, business support and access to cloud and artificial intelligence tools to help mission-driven organisations scale.
Developed in collaboration with Deloitte, the programme supports entrepreneurs working on challenges spanning education, healthcare and climate resilience. Since its launch in 2023, it has supported more than 100 social entrepreneurs across 34 countries.
“Africa’s representation in this cohort reflects what we’re seeing across the continent, a generation of founders who don’t wait for conditions to be perfect. They build anyway,” said Jyoti Ball, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at AWS. “Our role is to ensure they have access to the same world-class cloud and AI technology as any startup in Silicon Valley, and the support to scale impact across borders.”
RELATED >> Pauline Namwakira Becomes Kenya’s Second Golden Jacket Recipient
AWS said the selected founders are using cloud and AI technology to address issues including skills shortages, youth unemployment and food security.
Kenya has two organizations in the cohort. Nairobi-based KuzeKuze is developing digital “education passports” designed to create lifelong learning records and enable personalised education pathways. STEM Center Africa, founded in 2017 by brothers Dancun Akoum and Denish Akoum, provides hands-on STEM education, including coding, robotics and 3D design, and has reached more than 18,000 students.
Nigeria accounts for three of the selected organisations. Sabi Scholar, led by CEO Divine Iloh, is building a platform to help universities launch online degree programmes within 30 days. Kayode Alabi Leadership focuses on empowering underserved young people through education and technology-driven solutions, while Wetech Inc., founded by Gabriella Uwadiegwu, is building a pipeline for women entering technology careers.
Ghana’s BASICS International, founded by Patricia Wilkins, provides education and certified digital skills training for underserved children and young people.
In Cameroon, EduCloud, founded by Rosius Ndimofor Ateh, delivers cloud and AI workshops aimed at connecting academic learning with industry skills.
Tanzania’s Fiqra Academy, founded by CEO Gerald Revocatus, provides digital training and certification programmes designed to link young people with employment opportunities.
South Africa’s FunHouse Digital, founded by Ayabulela Yokwana, uses gaming centres in rural communities as education hubs, with gaming revenue supporting free coding and digital literacy programmes.
The accelerator will provide participants with AWS cloud technology support and Deloitte consulting expertise to help them develop scalable models for their social ventures.
The programme comes as African startups and social enterprises increasingly seek access to artificial intelligence tools and digital infrastructure to expand solutions in areas such as education, employment and healthcare.
Leave a comment