Kenyan Companies Selected for Global Technology Accelerator
Two Kenyan enterprises are among nine African organizations chosen for a global technology accelerator aimed at supporting social enterprises that leverage cloud computing and artificial intelligence to tackle educational and employment challenges.
This initiative boasts the largest representation from Africa to date, encompassing participants from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroon, and South Africa. In total, 42 social enterprises from 16 countries have been selected for this fourth cohort of the program.
The accelerator offers technical training, business support, and access to essential cloud and AI tools, all designed to empower these organizations to enhance their operational effectiveness and service delivery.
These selected enterprises will engage in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Social Entrepreneur Accelerator, a program run in partnership with Deloitte. Jyoti Ball, the General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at AWS, noted that Africa’s strong representation in the program reflects a dynamic generation of founders who innovate despite challenging circumstances, striving to make a difference.
Ball emphasized, “Our goal is to provide these entrepreneurs with the same top-tier cloud and AI technologies available to startups in Silicon Valley, enabling them to extend their impact beyond borders.” Since its inception in 2023, the program has already supported over 100 social entrepreneurs across 34 countries.
Within the Kenyan cohort, two organizations stand out. KuzeKuze, based in Nairobi, is pioneering a digital education passport that tracks personalized educational journeys and lifelong learning records. Meanwhile, STEM Center Africa in Oyugis, founded by brothers Dankun and Danish Akoum, has been providing hands-on training in STEM. Their programs in coding, robotics, and 3D design have empowered over 18,000 learners, with a 90% proficiency rate in key skills such as Python and Scratch. The organization aims to expand its reach to 100,000 learners by 2030.
Nigeria also has a strong presence in this cohort, featuring three organizations dedicated to educational advancement. Sabi Scholar, led by CEO Divine Iloh, is working on a platform that allows universities to launch online degree programs within just 30 days. Additionally, Kayode Alabi Leadership, founded by Hamed Kayode Alabi, is committed to addressing educational inequality through mentorship and tech-oriented programs for underserved youth. Wetech Inc., founded by Gabriella Uwadiegwu, focuses on training and mentoring women in technology and connecting them with job opportunities.
Other noteworthy participants include BASICS International from Ghana, which provides essential education and certified digital skills training, and EduCloud from Cameroon, which offers cloud computing and AI workshops that align academic curricula with industry demands. Tanzania’s Fiqra Academy and South Africa’s FunHouse Digital round out the cohort by offering digital skills training and transforming gaming lounges into educational centers, respectively. Throughout the program, these organizations will collaborate with AWS and Deloitte experts to strengthen their business strategies, optimize their use of AI and cloud tools, and refine their growth models.
