East African impact accelerator GrowthAfrica has selected 19 Kenyan and Ugandan startups to form its 9th cohort, with the accelerator expanding to Uganda for the first time.
Disrupt Africa reported in November applications opened for the six-month GrowthAfrica accelerator programmes in Kenya – and for the first time Uganda -, targeting early-stage entrepreneurs with startups having a positive impact on society.
From nearly 500 applications, nine startups in Kenya and 10 startups in Uganda were selected to participate in the two acceleration programmes. The programmes have already kicked off.
The startups joining the programmes come from a variety of sectors including ICT, agribusiness, fashion and cosmetics.
GrowthAfrica said half of the businesses are run and/or founded by women.
The ICT startups participating in the Kenyan cohort are asset tracking and management system Africartrack International; and performance and service delivery tracker WAYO Company.
The rest of the cohort comprises Luxury Leather Kenya; ethical green grocer Mboga Masters; natural haircare line Marini Naturals; community charity The Haller Foundation; accessories brand ZikoAfrica; yoghurt producer Ichaka Products; and potato processing company Gaea Foods.
In Uganda the tech companies joining the programme are Trans African Clean Energy and Agriculture Solutions (TACEAS)– which provides renewable energy solutions; Clinic Master International – a web and mobile platform provider for healthcare institutions; on-demand laundry app Yoza; and online travel booking platform Round Bob.
The other startups selected in Uganda are natural skincare products producer Amagara; cooking stove producer SEB Engineering; tea producer Agricultural Stores Uganda (Highland Tea); fruit juice producer Tursam Investments; cheese producer Crested Superiour; and drinking water producer Pure Products.
Both programmes will last six months and will equip entrepreneurs with business skills, growth strategies, support with business models, and access to investment.
