Supporting Startups in Africa: The Power of Empowering Black Entrepreneurs
Africa’s startup ecosystem is growing at an impressive pace. Entrepreneurs across the continent are finding innovative ways to address challenges in industries such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion. These businesses are not just contributing to local economies but also paving the way for Africa to become a key player in the global tech landscape.
Despite this rapid growth, Black entrepreneurs in Africa still face significant barriers. Access to capital, mentorship, and networks can be difficult to come by, especially for those leading startups in underrepresented communities. Many talented entrepreneurs struggle to scale their businesses because of these systemic barriers.
At Google, we recognize that this lack of access is a major obstacle to realising the full potential of these entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like the Black Founders Fund, we’ve worked to bridge the gap by providing critical resources to support these businesses. The Black Founders Fund (BFF) empowers entrepreneurs with non-dilutive funding, access to a network of industry experts, and mentorship to help them scale and compete on the global stage.
The impact of the Black Founders Fund is evident in the success stories of BFF alumni. Since its launch in 2021, the BFF has supported over 220 startups across Africa and Europe, helping them raise $379 million, create 6,000+ jobs, and grow 61% faster than their peers. These aren’t just numbers—they represent businesses that are creating sustainable value in their communities, driving innovation, and transforming industries.
We are particularly proud of the BFF alumni who have demonstrated resilience and creativity in the face of challenges. Startups like Talamus Health, Raenest, and Fleetsimplify are pioneering solutions in healthcare, financial technology, and mobility. These companies are tackling both local and global problems with innovative, scalable solutions that have the power to shape Africa’s future and beyond.
This past week, we had the privilege of gathering BFF alumni from across the continent at the Black Founders Fund Alumni Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The summit wasn’t just a celebration of what our alumni have achieved so far. It was an opportunity to unveil the BFF Impact Report, which highlights the tangible outcomes of our collective work. In addition to unveiling the report, the summit allowed us to connect, learn from one another, share insights, and continue building the networks and partnerships that will help these businesses scale even further.
The summit was a testament to the power of these entrepreneurs to create real change. We celebrated the success stories of the BFF-supported startups, many of which are building businesses that are addressing Africa’s most pressing issues while driving innovation on a global scale. Startups like Fleetsimplify, which is transforming mobility, and Talamus Health, which is revolutionising medical technology, are just a few examples of the groundbreaking work being done.
This progress is just the beginning. To truly build a thriving startup ecosystem, we need to focus not only on the founders but also on the broader system in which they operate. This means building stronger networks for collaboration, ensuring more inclusive access to venture capital, and creating sustainable ecosystems where startups have the support they need to scale.
The Black Founders Fund isn’t just about funding startups. It’s about creating a long-lasting ecosystem that supports Black-led businesses from the ground up. Whether it’s through direct financial support, mentorship, or fostering partnerships with investors, our goal is to create an environment where these businesses can thrive independently and sustainably. We’ve already seen the impact of this model: in Kenya, 26 BFF-supported companies raised nearly $100 million and have become key players in the Kenyan tech ecosystem, creating more than 1,000 jobs.
It’s also important to highlight the diversity of the startups we support. Women-led startups have been a key focus of our efforts. It’s encouraging to see that 68% of BFF-supported startups are either led by women or have female co-founders. In fact, 50.4% of leadership positions in African BFF companies are held by women. This diversity not only strengthens these companies but also drives innovation in ways that are often overlooked.
For us, impact isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about changing the narrative around what Black entrepreneurs can achieve when given the right support. The success of BFF alumni proves that Black founders in Africa can overcome systemic barriers, scale their businesses, and make meaningful contributions to the global economy. Their successes reinforce the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to lead in tech innovation.
The Black Founders Fund is just one piece of the puzzle, but we are hopeful that, by working together with local partners, investors, and other stakeholders, we can continue to drive growth and innovation across Africa’s startup ecosystem. By investing in Black-led startups, we’re not just changing the story of tech in Africa; we’re unlocking new pathways to progress, sustainability, and prosperity for the entire continent.
To learn more about the impact of the Black Founders Fund, read the full BFF Impact Report here: Google for Startups Black Founders Fund Impact Report.
