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.