Google Empowers 15,000 African Entrepreneurs in Three Years

Google has announced that its Hustle Academy has supported over 15,000 African Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) since 2022. The program provides critical training and resources to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

Key Highlights:

• Hustle Academy: Google’s program has empowered 15,000+ African SMBs in three years.
• 2025 Edition: Applications are now open for the 2025 Hustle Academy Programme.
• AI-Powered Training: The program focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered business training.

Kristy Grant, Head of B2B Marketing, Sub-Saharan Africa at Google, stated, “Google is reinforcing its focus on AI-powered business training, enabling SMBs to leverage cutting-edge technology for growth.”

Challenges Faced by SMBs:

• Limited Funding: SMBs often struggle with limited access to funding.
• Inadequate Resources: Insufficient business resources hinder their ability to scale.
• Lack of Specialized Skills: SMBs often lack the specialized skills needed to thrive.

Benefits of Hustle Academy:

• Practical Training: Participants receive in-depth training on AI integration and core business fundamentals.
• Expert Mentorship: SMBs benefit from expert guidance and mentorship.
• Networking Opportunities: The program provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect and learn from each other.

To be eligible, SMBs must have been operating for at least one year in Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa and must be seeking to expand their businesses.