Jobtech Alliance to launch an accelerator and an innovation lab to remove barriers and improve access to jobs.
The Jobtech Alliance, an ecosystem-building initiative focused on inclusive jobtech in Africa, has selected 10 companies to participate in its new mentorship and funding programs. The Alliance aims to create an environment for entrepreneurs to build platforms that deliver quality livelihoods, are inclusive, and enable users to engage in quality work.
Jobtech Alliance – Two programs
The two programs, Catalyst Jobtech Accelerator and Jobtech Innovation Lab, are designed to support digital platforms that connect people to work opportunities. The accelerator will provide USD 200,000 in grant capital, bespoke venture building support, and access to industry experts. The Jobtech Innovation Lab will work with six companies to help them develop new products or services, grow and create more jobs, support their commercial growth strategy and gender-focused business strategy, improve their operations, reach new markets, or remove barriers to access for marginalized people, especially young women and refugees.
Pan-African ambitions
Four companies will participate in the Accelerator: Nigeria’s Fitted, Ethiopia’s Jemla, Ivory Coast’s Mon Artisan, and Kenya’s Tana. The six companies participating in the Innovation Lab are Jumia Uganda, Kenya’s Power, Mauritius-based Rwazi, Nigeria’s Scrapays, Ghana’s Tendo, and Kenya’s Wowzi.
Michelle Hassan, co-director of Jobtech Alliance, said, “It’s exciting to kick-off the first cohort of the Accelerator and continue implementing our acceleration work in the fintech and digital commerce space. Our collaboration with Mercy Corps through the Alliance will enable us to support platforms in Africa.”
“Investing at the tip of the spear”
Jobtech Alliance Steering Group member, Paul Breloff, said, “We are not going to solve the problem of youth unemployment in Africa with any one jobtech platform. But by investing at the tip of the spear, in innovation and experimentation, these platforms teach us about what works and where to go in this emerging sector.”
A series of job-related startups have caught the eye in recent months, with Morocco’s SmartProf Tunisia’s Shape receiving funding.