The Standard Chartered Bank, alongside @iBizAfrica – Strathmore University, has launched the seventh cohort of their Women in Tech Incubator Program.
The 12-week program equips 15 female entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to grow their tech-driven businesses.
Focus on Sustainability
The 2024 cohort emphasises sustainability, reflecting the program’s commitment to innovation and environmental and social responsibility.
The Women in Tech Incubator Program program aligns with the need for increased sustainability efforts within Kenya’s startups and corporations.
A recent Nairobi Securities Exchange survey found only 15 out of 61 companies adhere to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, highlighting a need for more sustainable practices.
Program Impact
Standard Chartered emphasises its commitment to empowering women-led businesses through partnerships like this one.
Makabelo Malumane, Head of Transaction Banking for Kenya and East Africa at Standard Chartered, highlighted the program’s positive impact: “When women succeed, so do our economies… The success stories mirror the potential we see across the entire economy.”
Benefits of Integrating ESG Principles
The Women in Tech Incubator Program encourages integrating ESG principles, which can benefit businesses of all sizes. These include improved resource utilisation and heightened employee productivity.
Program Achievements
Since its launch in 2017, the Women in Tech Incubator Program has trained over 64 women-led tech businesses and provided mentorship, coaching, networking, and investor forums.
It has awarded seed funding to 32 startups, totalling over Ksh 41 million.
