Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, in partnership with iBizAfrica, Strathmore University, celebrated the graduation of the eighth cohort of its Women in Tech (WiT) Accelerator Programme, awarding approximately US $70,400 (KES 9.1 million) in seed funding to seven women-led tech startups, organisers said.
The graduates were selected from a 12-week accelerator that drew 84 applications and provided participating founders with training, mentorship and business support tailored to early-stage technology ventures. The programme culminated in a Demo Day in Nairobi, where finalists pitched to a panel of investors and industry experts.
The seed funding distributed among the seven startups was aimed at enabling the entrepreneurs to scale operations, refine product offerings and enhance market access, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, sustainability and clean technology represented by the cohort.
Standard Chartered Kenya and iBizAfrica officials said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to boost gender equity in technology and entrepreneurship across the region, noting that women founders often face barriers to early-stage capital and tailored business development support. Organisers highlighted that the WiT Accelerator is intended to address these gaps by equipping women entrepreneurs with tools, networks and funding that can catalyse growth and increase representation in the broader tech ecosystem.
The latest cohort’s graduation underscores sustained momentum for corporate-backed accelerator programmes aimed at diversifying startup ecosystems and supporting inclusive innovation throughout Africa.
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