The Berlin-based Vodafone Institute has selected two African startups amongst the five that will join the second cohort of its F-LANE accelerator, focusing on social ventures utilising technology to empower women worldwide.
The F-LANE programme aims to foster the participation of women in technological development and improve the situation of girls and women around the world through technology.
Five startups from around the world have been selected to join the six-week accelerator, during which participants will be paired with experienced mentors to develop an individual roadmap.
The programme features mentorship and advice from Vodafone and external experts, as well as help in leveraging the global “Vodafone family”.
Micro-funding of up to EUR12,000 (US$13,700) is also on offer to the chosen startups.
The chosen African startups are from Uganda and Mozambique, and were chosen from a field of 180 applications from over 50 different countries.
Ugandan startup Kaaro Health runs a telemedicine hub that provides a network of rural clinics with access to the services of qualified maternal and child health specialists.
Mozambique’s Mowoza, meanwhile, strengthens Women-owned Micro and small retailers in Mozambican informal markets by integrating these MSEs into ‘digital retail communities’.