Nine companies from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroon and South Africa, will join the fourth Amazon Web Services (AWS)’s Social Entrepreneur Accelerator which brings together a global community of social entrepreneurs who are working to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges across education, health and climate resilience. The organizations will spend time at the accelerator working with AWS and Deloitte experts to strengthen their business models, expand their use of cloud and AI technologies.
Nine African organizations have been selected to join the fourth cohort of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Social Entrepreneur Accelerator, giving the continent its largest representation in the global programme.
The selected organizations, drawn from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroon and South Africa, are among 42 social enterprises from 16 countries participating in the latest accelerator cohort. The programme brings together entrepreneurs using technology to address major challenges in education, healthcare, climate resilience and economic opportunity.
In partnership with Deloitte, the AWS Social Entrepreneur Accelerator provides technical training, strategic business support and access to cloud and artificial intelligence tools designed to help mission-driven organizations expand their impact. Since launching in 2023, the programme has supported more than 100 social entrepreneurs across 34 countries.
“Africa’s representation in this cohort reflects what we’re seeing across the continent, a generation of founders who don’t wait for conditions to be perfect. They build anyway,” said Jyoti Ball, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at AWS. “Our role is to ensure they have access to the same world-class cloud and AI technology as any startup in Silicon Valley, and the support to scale impact across borders.”
The African founders selected for the programme are developing technology-driven solutions to challenges including skills shortages, youth unemployment and food insecurity. Their projects range from digital education platforms and coding programmes to employment pathways and community-based innovation hubs.
Kenya has two organizations in the cohort. KuzeKuze, based in Nairobi, is developing digital “education passports” designed to create lifelong records for learners, allowing personalized education progress to be tracked and scaled.
STEM Center Africa, based in Oyugis, Homa Bay County, was founded in 2017 by brothers CTO Dancun and CEO Denish Akoum. The nonprofit provides hands-on STEM education in areas including coding, robotics and 3D design. It has reached more than 18,000 students, with 90% gaining proficiency in Python, Scratch and electronics. The organization operates two centers in Homa Bay County and aims to reach 100,000 learners by 2030.
Nigeria has three organizations in the cohort. Sabi Scholar, led by CEO Divine Iloh, is building what it describes as an “operating system” for African higher education, enabling universities to launch online degree programmes within 30 days.
Kayode Alabi Leadership, founded by Hammed Kayode Alabi, focuses on reducing inequality by empowering underserved young people through education, mentorship and technology-based solutions.
Wetech Inc., founded by Gabriella Uwadiegwu, is creating a pipeline for women entering technology careers through training, mentorship and employment opportunities.
Ghana is represented by BASICS International, based in Accra. Founded and led by Patricia Wilkins, the organization provides education, certified digital skills training and support for underserved children and young people.
In Cameroon, EduCloud, founded by Rosius Ndimofor Ateh and based in Douala, delivers practical cloud and artificial intelligence workshops aimed at connecting academic learning with industry requirements.
Tanzania’s representative is Fiqra Academy, based in Dar es Salaam. Founded by CEO Gerald Revocatus, the organization provides digital skills training and certification programmes designed to connect young people with employment opportunities through its digital learning platform.
South Africa’s FunHouse Digital, founded by Ayabulela Yokwana in Bloemfontein, is transforming gaming lounges into education hubs in rural communities. Revenue from gaming activities helps fund free coding and digital literacy programmes.
The organizations will spend time at the accelerator working with AWS and Deloitte experts to strengthen their business models, expand their use of cloud and AI technologies, and develop strategies for scaling their social impact.
At the conclusion of the programme, AWS said participants will join a global network of social entrepreneurs using technology to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
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Ruth First (South Africa – historical)
Most Impactful Work: Her extensive coverage of anti-apartheid movements and her books like 117 Days.
Short Bio: A formidable anti-apartheid activist and journalist, Ruth First was a prominent figure in South African media during the 1940s and 1950s. She edited several progressive newspapers and her work consistently exposed the injustices of the apartheid system. She was assassinated by South African government forces in 1982.
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Fun South African Fact: The world’s largest diamond was found in the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa on 25 January 1905.
Spunky Chick
Eish! – an exclamation [Ay-sh] or [ee-sh] A Khoi term usually expressed when someone experiences surprise or shock.