The Pan-African initiative marks its fifth anniversary, continuing its mission to empower women-led tech startups across Africa with specialised PR and communications mentorship.
The fifth edition of The Future is Female Mentorship Program has proudly announced its 20 finalists, spotlighting Africa’s promising female tech founders. This programme, originally launched on Africa Day in 2020 by Africa-focused PR agency C. Moore Media International PR, now part of global communications powerhouse Allison, remains the continent’s only PR and communications mentorship initiative dedicated exclusively to African female tech entrepreneurs.
Unparalleled Growth and Impact Across Africa
In just five years, The Future is Female Mentorship Program has seen a staggering 253% increase in applications, expanding its reach from 12 countries in its inaugural year to 37 African nations today. Its growing reputation has cemented the programme as a critical PR and communications resource, making it one of the most rapidly expanding networks supporting African women in tech.
The 2024 Cohort: Innovative Solutions to Africa’s Challenges
The latest class of mentees showcases a wide array of innovations addressing critical health, education, finance, agriculture, and sustainability issues. These startups are focused on Africa’s broader challenges and cater specifically to the needs of women and girls.
Highlights from the selected entrepreneurs include:
- Morocco’s Adjayi Cyrus with My Steps, a health-tech app encouraging eco-friendly mobility.
- Rwanda’s Aline Nicole Uwamariya from Geuza is transforming electronic waste into prosthetics.
- Kenya’s Maureen Macharia is leading Cluzar, an AI-based tool for customer insights.
- Nigeria’s Kieva Chris-Amusan of Fortitude is a digital reproductive health platform.
These examples highlight the groundbreaking work being done by African female innovators, underlining this year’s cohort’s diversity and immense potential.
Comprehensive PR and Communications Training
The programme equips participants with fully funded, end-to-end PR and strategic communications training, removing financial barriers for these founders. Mentees will gain valuable knowledge in media relations, storytelling, digital marketing, and crafting effective communication strategies tailored to their business needs. This intensive training prepares them to boost their brand visibility and better position their startups for investment.
“This fifth anniversary represents a major milestone for The Future is Female Mentorship Program. Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of empowering hundreds of African female founders and helping to shape the continent’s tech landscape. With the support of our partners and sponsors, we’re committed to scaling our efforts and reaching even more women in tech,” said Claudine Moore, Managing Director of Africa at Allison and founder of the programme.
Strategic Partnerships for Maximum Impact
Partnerships with Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund, TechCabal, F6S, and Africa Communications Week bolster the 2024 edition. Salesforce Ventures will host a masterclass on venture capital funding. At the same time, TechCabal will guide founders in engaging effectively with tech media. Africa Communications Week will offer multi-market PR insights to help participants expand their influence.
These strategic collaborations bring unparalleled industry expertise, offering tailored masterclasses to meet the unique needs of early-stage startups. A team will deliver mentorship of experienced professionals, including Claudine Moore, David Idagu, Africa Regional Consultant at Allison, and digital marketing expert Tope Adubi.
The 2024 Finalists: Transforming Africa’s Tech Scene
This year’s finalists represent the diverse technological innovation happening across Africa:
- Kenya: INVA Solution (Becky Kirima) – Virtual assistance for individuals with ADD.
- Morocco: My Steps (Adjayi Cyrus) – A health-tech app promoting eco-friendly mobility.
- Rwanda: Geuza (Aline Nicole Uwamariya) – Prosthetics made from recycled e-waste.
- Nigeria: SheFoundry (Kikelomo Owoyale) – Bridging funding gaps for female entrepreneurs.
- South Africa: Tsehla Holdings (Roseline Mapuranga) – Climate-smart agriculture with hydroponics.
- Ghana: Akoobooks (Ama Dadson) – Turning African literature into engaging audiobooks.
- Ethiopia: Bfarm-Tech (Begashaw Meberate) – Threshing services for small farmers.
- Tunisia: Bionic Soul (Nada Ghamem) – Bionic prosthetics for amputees.
These founders drive transformative change in Africa’s tech ecosystem, setting new standards for female-led innovation.
Virtual Delivery for Greater Accessibility
The programme is conducted entirely online and ensures accessibility for founders across Africa, regardless of location. Participants benefit from tailored sessions designed to meet the demands of their sectors, affirming the programme’s reputation as a critical bridge for women breaking into tech.
A Model for Female Empowerment and Tech Advancement
The programme’s impact extends beyond training. By amplifying the visibility of these female founders across African and global tech networks, it has become a benchmark for mentorship initiatives focused on underrepresented groups. The Future is Female Mentorship Program has received recognition from leading publications like Forbes, Business Insider, and Disrupt Africa.
For more information on the 2024 finalists and programme insights, visit thefutureisfemalementorshipprogram.com and follow #CMMtheFutureIsFemale for updates.
As Africa’s tech landscape evolves, initiatives like The Future is Female Mentorship Program are pivotal in creating a more inclusive, vibrant, and innovative tech industry.
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