Written by Lugelo Shezi | From htxt.africa

Seventeen technology projects from around Africa have been selected to receive grants as part of a joint partnership by Google and the Institute of International Education’s Women Enhancing Technology (WeTech).

Applications to receive grants were opened in December 2013 to individuals, NGOs, social enterprises and academic institutions that support the advancement of women in technology. The 17 projects were chosen from over 90 applicants.

Each project will receive between R20 000 ($2,000) and R200 000 ($20,000) as well as constant support from WeTech. The projects will also join a network of peers that will meet virtually at least once a month to share successes, lessons learned and professional connections.

“There is a growing movement of innovative, women-focused tech initiatives gathering momentum across Africa,” said Trish Tierney, director of IIE’s Centre for Women’s Leadership Initiatives. “By supporting and linking the leaders behind this progress, we hope to witness great potential for scale and impact, getting more women and girls into the global tech industry.”

Applications for the second round of seed funding will open in August this year, where the focus will primarily be on existing successful initiatives in computer science.

Read more at htxt.africa