NEW YORK — 12 startups have been selected for a new PR mentorship programme that focuses exclusively on female tech founders in Africa.

The Future is Female Mentorship Program, launched last month by independent PR agency C. Moore Media (CMM), aims to develop PR and communications fundamentals for the 12 female-led African tech startups, which were selected following 139 applications to the programme from 18 African countries.

As CMM MD/founder Claudine Moore (pictured) notes, "African tech female founders are underserved and often overlooked when it comes to the distribution of investments and resources." Accordingly, the programme aims to support mentees on their entrepreneurial journey, via a range of virtual resources and classes.

Three of the selected startups come from Uganda and include Chi Ai Lab, Easy Matatu, and Mkaziprenuer. Another three are from Nigeria, namely Movemeback, CAWSTEM, and Clean Technology Hub. Kweza Technologies, RPA Nuggets, and YISA Deliveries were selected from South Africa, while Tech Educate, Divaloper and Ninsiima eDispensary each made the final list from Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania, respectively.

In particular, said Moore, female founders will learn how to create and execute a communications plan. In addition, there will be sessions on how to leverage PR and communications to gain customers, attract investors, and secure premier partnerships customized for their business and sector's unique needs.