Google has announced 1,000 scholarships that will enable small business traders in Kenya to open online business.
The development was announced as part of a month-long commemoration of International Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) Day this month.
In partnership with Coursera, a global open online training course provider, google will provide this certificate courses in digital marketing and e-commerce to Kenya entrepreneurs.
You may also check: Fully paid scholarships for Kenyan Graduates 2022
“E-commerce presents an opportunity for small businesses in Kenya to reach new customers and grow. Through the digital marketing and e-commerce career certificates, and specialized training to our 1,000 SMB scholarship beneficiaries, we want to assist small businesses in Africa gain the expertise to connect online, expand their customer base and scale up,” says Agnes Gathaiya, Google Country Director for Kenya and East Africa.
E-commerce markets in Kenya and Nigeria increased by 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively, in 2021, while online sales in South Africa increased by 66 percent from 2019 to 2020, reaching more than $1.8 billion.
“As more consumers on the continent continue to search for goods and services online, it is critical that small retail businesses learn how to better harness online tools for growth,” Ms Gathaiya adds.
Wholesale and retail are the third largest contributors to Nigeria’s GDP, with more than 90 percent of the industry made up of informal merchants.
Google’s ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses in Africa is visible through initiatives such as Google Hustle Academy, Google Business Profile, Market Finder and Market Kit.
Just the other day, Sendy opened a program named Google Hustle Academy that seeks to offer MSMEs across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa with expert training on business strategy & development, digital marketing, and financial planning.
The programs commemorating International SMB Day this month reaffirm Google’s dedication to ensuring that small retail businesses on the continent acquire the necessary digital technology, tools, and training to thrive and be more resilient.