Women in Tech programme launches new cohort

Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart) has, in partnership with @iBizAfrica, Strathmore University and Village Capital, officially launched Cohort 8 of the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator Programme, reaffirming their commitment to empowering women-led startups through technology-driven, inclusive innovation.

Through the partnership, StanChart’s Women in Tech Accelerator will equip women-led start-ups with essential skills, financing and networks to drive long term impact.

Dubbed “Bridging the Digital Divide for Inclusive Innovation,” the programme spotlighted the urgent need to make technology and innovation inclusive, particularly for women and marginalised groups often left behind by Kenya’s booming tech sector.

Despite Kenya’s status as Africa’s Silicon Savannah, digital access remains uneven, with only 40.8 per cent of the population online, and over 60 per cent of women lack essential digital skills.

“Through Women in Tech Cohort 8, we are not only funding bold ideas but also creating a platform where inclusive technology can thrive and empower communities often left behind,” said StanChart Kenya board member Dr Beverley Obatoyinbo.

Since its inception, the Women in Tech Programme has awarded over Sh143 million to 39 women-led ventures.

To ensure innovation serves all Kenyans, Cohort 8 will prioritise solutions tailored to underserved communities and that meet local needs, such as USSD platforms, offline apps, and community-based tech models.

The programme is a deliberate intervention to ensure women-led businesses survive and lead in the digital era. Tech is investing in solutions that can reach every corner of society, not just the connected few.

“This year, we are being intentional about equity in innovation. We are closing the gap between potential and opportunity,” added Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at StanChart Kenya and Africa, Joyce Kibe.

Strathmore University Vice Chancellor Dr Vincent Ogutu said true innovation is not measured by investment alone, but by inclusion. “When we empower women at the margins to lead with tech, we reimagine what progress looks like for everyone.”

Director of @iLabAfrica at Strathmore University Dr Joseph Sevilla, emphasised the role of academic-industry partnerships in building inclusive tech ecosystems.