Google to train 5,000 entrepreneurs across Africa
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Google plans to train free through its new Hustle Academy 5,000 small and medium enterprise (SME) operators in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa as part of efforts by the global search engine leader to help boost economic growth on the continent.
Google Hustle Academy (GHA) is a boot camp-style training designed to help entrepreneurs position their businesses for investment opportunities and build viable business models for the future.
Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Executive Secretary Teju Abisoye said it is a practical educational programme with interactive activities and instruction by subject matter experts.
It also provides access to a global network of mentors and alumni.
His words: “The Google Hustle Academy Program is a laudable initiative that will help improve business prospects and also create the impact desired at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.
“I recommend this programme to business owners and SMEs, to improve results and growth in Lagos business ecosystem.
“Business owners will undergo five days of hands-on training and receive 3,000 hours of training on fundamental aspects of the business to help them navigate the challenges faced by SMEs in Africa.”
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Engine of economic growth
The training curriculum includes
- Business growth strategy and building digital marketing roadmaps.
- Discovering and evaluating funding routes and how to pitch for success.
GHA Brand and Reputation Head (Africa) Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde reiterated that SMEs are the engine that drives the growth of any economy, according to reporting by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), published by The Nation.
SMEs in Africa account for around 80 per cent of jobs, she stressed, and to grow the economy and increase employment it is crucial for small and medium businesses (SMBs) to have access to the right tools, training, and funding to scale up.
Aderemi-Makinde said:
The mission of GHA is to help entrepreneurs navigate business challenges by providing them with appropriate tools and knowledge.
GHA is open to businesses that have been in operation for more than a year, have developed a business strategy, defined their product or service offering, and are aiming to grow.
They must have made a profit in the previous 12 months or within 1-3 months of breaking even.
Since 2017, Google has been providing digital skills training in Africa with measurable success in growing these skills.
SMBs need more hands-on support, and the core intent of GHA is to support them with the right skills, resources, and access to thrive and grow.
GHA hopes to train and assist 5,000 SMEs and entrepreneurs across Africa this year.
The training will take their business to the next level and find ways to scale efforts by GHA to help more businesses going forward.
Qualified businesses can apply for the programme at www.g.co/hustleacademy
