The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in conjunction with Betacube, and AdoreAddis organized the TAW (Tech African Women) , a 3-day Bootcamp for Ethiopians. This Bootcamp commenced on the 7th of September and came to a close on the 9thwith a $2000 award prize for the winning startup brands.
The criteria for being the selected startup brand was measured by the likely market value. And this was decided through a presentation stage by each of the female brands. Each team of female-owned startups had to pitch their market ideas before the deciding panel. They had to show detailed and realistic solutions to real-life problems, identifying each member of the ecosystem.
Impact and Objectives of the Tech African Women
The TAW has proven to make a tremendous impact and contribution in Africa as it focuses on the social and entrepreneurial development of African women.
The TAW Bootcamp aimed to equip the female-owned Brands with the necessary tools, knowledge, skillset, and funding they needed to thrive in the Technology Market. Asides from pitching their ideas to the deciding panel, candidates had access to mentorship and other resourceful training.
On the last day of the TAW Bootcamp held in Ethiopia, an award ceremony was organized to recognize the winning nominees. The first prize award was given to Tenaseb, an educational online platform about SRH for women. Makoyamoms, a brand that connects young female graduates with mothers seeking to hire babysitters for their children came second place.
Not only were awards given to the nominees but startups were chosen from the right African countries; Tunisia, Senegal, Tanzania, and Ethiopia to undergo a 2-month training process. The final procession would be held at the UNECA Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Here, the startups would have the opportunity to once again, pitch their market ideas before the judges in a bid to win the final $7000-prize award.
Other Projects of the Tech African Women
The Tech African Women, in its vision, to foster digital innovation and women’s entrepreneurial development aims to fulfill the objectives of the Connected African Girls Coding Camp program. This brainchild seeks to equip young girls and women with the tools, knowledge, and skillset in technology. With these, the women can contribute to Africa’s economic growth, create more job opportunities, eradicate poverty, demolish the digital divide and ensure it has possession of modern digital tools.