Africa’s growing digital economy faces a significant threat — not from lack of ambition, but from a shortage of skills. According to recent industry insights, 90% of companies on the continent report setbacks in innovation and project execution due to a lack of AI expertise. In a bold and inclusive response, South Africa-based tech academy WeThinkCode has partnered with Google.org, securing a $2 million (R35 million) grant to address the continent’s AI readiness challenge head-on.
Unlike many high-cost, exclusive tech training programmes, this initiative stands out for its deliberate focus on access and inclusion. With a goal to train 12,000 individuals across South Africa and Kenya, WeThinkCode is targeting youth from low-income, peri-urban, and rural communities—segments often overlooked in tech capacity-building efforts.
The training, offered as a free, extracurricular course, will span 40 to 80 hours and is tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences. One stream will prepare 6,000 aspiring software engineers to use AI tools and workflows, while the second stream will equip 6,000 early-career professionals in sectors like health, education, and legal services to integrate AI into routine administrative tasks.
By doing so, the programme is not only preparing coders but also broadening AI literacy across the workforce, allowing diverse industries to benefit from automation and data-driven decision-making. The training is structured to accommodate both in-person and remote learners, with language adaptations to improve regional accessibility.
Nyari Samushonga, CEO of WeThinkCode, framed the initiative as a response to a critical inflection point. “AI is redefining the future of work, and without intervention, Africa risks being left behind,” she said. “This programme ensures that young people, regardless of socio-economic status, are equipped to shape the digital economy.”
To enhance real-world application, WeThinkCode will also partner with companies in financial services, telecoms, and consulting, giving learners exposure to enterprise environments and improving job placement opportunities.
Haviva Kohl, Senior Programme Manager at Google.org, echoed the urgency: “AI is a transformative technology, and it’s critical that the benefits are accessible to all.”
As global industries turn increasingly toward AI-driven operations, initiatives like this one demonstrate that Africa’s digital future hinges not only on innovation but also on inclusion. With the right support systems in place, the next wave of AI talent may rise not from elite labs, but from classrooms in Nairobi and Johannesburg.
