A new training initiative backed by Google.org is set to equip 2,000 young people in South Africa and Kenya with vital Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills, preparing them for a changing job market and addressing the continent’s growing digital skills gap.
The programme, run by South African tech academy WeThinkCode, offers a free, extracurricular course ranging from 40 to 80 hours. It is designed to serve both technical and non-technical career paths, and will be delivered through two separate training streams:
- AI for software engineers: Targeting 6,000 aspiring and early-career developers, this stream focuses on AI-powered programming tools and workflows.
- AI for non-tech careers: Training a further 6,000 participants, including students and entry-level professionals in fields like law, education, and healthcare, on how to use AI to enhance everyday administrative tasks and improve workplace productivity.
The effort follows a $2 million grant awarded to WeThinkCode by Google.org, which will allow the academy to scale up its training programmes in both countries.
“AI is a transformative technology, and it’s critical that the benefits are accessible to all,” said Haviva Kohl, senior program manager at Google.org. “By providing funding to WeThinkCode, we are helping to create opportunities for African youth to develop AI skills that will make them more competitive in the job market and drive inclusive innovation across the continent.”
The programme will run through 2026 and include employer showcases and measurable outcomes to track its effectiveness in improving job readiness and AI adoption.
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WeThinkCode, which focuses on tuition-free, aptitude-based training for unemployed youth from low-income backgrounds, said the project reflects its broader goal of preparing underrepresented groups for careers in tech.
“AI is redefining the future of work, and without intervention, Africa risks being left behind,” said Nyari Samushonga, CEO of WeThinkCode. “This program ensures that young people, regardless of their socio-economic background, have the skills to participate in and shape the digital economy in meaningful and relevant ways into the future.”
The initiative also comes at a time of rising demand for digital talent in Africa. A recent report by SAP found that 90% of companies on the continent face negative impacts from the shortage of AI skills, citing stalled innovation and project delays.
To support accessibility, WeThinkCode will upgrade its Learning Management System for both remote and in-person training and introduce local language options. The programme will also target learners in low-income, peri-urban, and rural areas, with support from industry partners in financial services, telecoms, and tech consulting who will help showcase participants’ new skills to potential employers.
Google.org said the initiative aims to deliver long-term economic benefits by laying the foundation for AI proficiency across the region.
