GitHub and Microsoft have joined forces with Goodwall and Yoma to launch the GenAI for Youth initiative, aimed at empowering young Africans to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI). Goodwall is a skills-based social network where members can learn, develop in-demand skills, and earn rewards and recognition. Yoma, on the other hand, is a free online learning marketplace that provides access to courses, resources, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The founding partners of GenAI for Youth emphasize that the initiative is designed to make AI both accessible and transformative. It aims to open doors for young people to understand and use AI as a tool for creation, problem-solving, and innovation. With GitHub’s focus on developer engagement, the initiative offers developer-centric, nano-learning experiences that enable young people to explore AI and apply it in practical and empowering ways. This effort is complemented by Microsoft’s AI skilling commitments for users and developers across global markets.
Microsoft and Goodwall have developed gamified challenges to engage young people, demystify AI, and unlock educational and employment opportunities. GitHub’s Copilot-powered developer platform will play a crucial role in scaling the program.
“GitHub has a guiding aspiration to enable one billion developers through the advancement of AI. The road to one billion developers runs right through Africa,” said GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke. “Together with Microsoft, Goodwall, and Yoma, we’ll use the power of AI to enable the next generation of developers in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and beyond.”
Key aspects of GitHub’s role in the GenAI for Youth initiative include:
- Developer-focused challenges: AI challenges designed to engage young people as creators and problem-solvers.
- Hands-on programming experiences: Real-world applications that allow youth to transition from learning to building, using AI in ways that prepare them for future tech careers.
- Developer-friendly learning materials: Access to resources that simplify complex AI concepts and make them actionable, sparking curiosity and skill-building.
- Community-driven partnerships: Local partnerships that ensure the program meets the specific needs and aspirations of young developers in each region.
“The launch of our GenAI for Youth program is all about making sure the next generation has the AI skills they need, especially those who might not have easy access to these opportunities,” said Kate Behncken, global head of Microsoft Philanthropies. “By teaming up with GitHub, Goodwall, and Yoma, we’re bringing this program to life, teaching young people—no matter where they are—important digital and AI skills. This will help open up more local job opportunities and career paths that involve AI.”
The GenAI for Youth initiative complements GitHub’s All In Africa program, which offers free open-source education, training, mentorship, and career opportunities. Insights from GitHub’s 2024 Octoverse report reveal significant growth in the number of developers in Africa: over 1.1 million developers in Nigeria (a 28% year-over-year increase), over 660,000 in South Africa (a 23% increase), and more than 393,000 in Kenya (a 33% increase). GitHub noted that this growth indicates the region is poised to drive the next wave of digital progress and tech entrepreneurialism.
