Tech Academy Secures $2M From Google.org To Scale AI Training Across South Africa And Kenya
South African tech academy WeThinkCode_ has been awarded $2 million in funding from Google’s charitable arm, Google.org, to expand its AI training programs. The programs will provide 12,000 learners in South Africa and Kenya with the necessary tools to succeed in the job market.
There is a significant digital skills gap on the continent, with 90% of companies being negatively impacted by the lack of AI skills, according to a recent SAP report. WeThinkCode_ bridges the gap by providing training to unemployed youth from low-income backgrounds, helping them become software engineers.
WeThinkCode_’s funding from Google.org
Individuals on the course will be split into two groups: AI for software engineers, which teaches early-career engineers essential AI-powered programming tools and workflows, and AI for non-tech careers, training 6,000 students and junior employees on how to implement AI into their daily administrative tasks. The program is free, and the courses will range from 40 to 80 hours in duration.
The development academy will enhance its Learning Management System (LMS) to enable individuals on the course to learn both in-person and remotely, with local language adaptations. The program will also leverage its existing partnerships with companies across financial services, telecommunications, and tech consulting to underscore the importance of AI skills in the workplace.
Building long-term economic growth in Africa
“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,” Haviva Kohl, Senior Program Manager at Google.org, said.
The program is expected to run through 2026, during which time enrolled students will attend employer showcases and be assessed to ensure they are ready to enter the job market.
Image: Wocintech
