The Jobtech Alliance, a pioneering initiative co-led by Mercy Corps and BFA Global, has unveiled its second cohort of innovative platforms designed to bridge the gap between African job seekers and quality employment opportunities. This announcement follows the successful launch of the Alliance in October 2022, with the aim of fostering a thriving ecosystem for inclusive jobtech solutions across the continent.
The first cohort, introduced last April, demonstrated the potential of jobtech to address Africa’s unemployment challenges. Building on this momentum, the Alliance has selected eight promising startups for its second phase. Among these are Nigerian trailblazers Selar and Instollar, respectively tackling the digital content market and green energy job creation. Kenya’s Mwingi and Gwiji are addressing rural commerce and domestic work, respectively.
Beyond these four, Uganda’s Opareta is streamlining mobile money agent operations, while South Africa’s CatalyzU focuses on placing non-technical talent in the tech industry. Ethiopia’s Goodayon and Afriwork are targeting the domestic service and recruitment sectors, respectively.
“We are incredibly excited to support another cohort of talented entrepreneurs who are developing groundbreaking solutions to Africa’s employment challenges,” said Michelle Hassan, Co-director of the Jobtech Alliance. “By providing these startups with the necessary resources and support, we are confident in their ability to create a lasting impact on the lives of millions of Africans.”
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Each selected platform will furthermore receive comprehensive support, including investment capital, tailored business development guidance, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities to expand their reach through the Alliance’s extensive network. This holistic approach aims to accelerate the growth of these startups and maximize their social and economic impact.
The Jobtech Alliance’s commitment extends beyond its cohort programs. By engaging with a vast community of jobtech platforms, investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders, the Alliance is building a significantly robust ecosystem that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. This collective effort is essential to achieving the Alliance’s ultimate goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable job market for all Africans.
