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In a bold move to prepare African youth for the future of work, 12,000 learners in South Africa and Kenya will receive free Artificial Intelligence (AI) training through a new program funded by Google.org and run by tech academy WeThinkCode.
The initiative, which runs through 2026, aims to equip 6,000 aspiring software engineers and 6,000 non-technical professionals with practical AI skills to boost their employability and productivity in a fast-evolving job market.
Participants will benefit from a structured extracurricular course ranging between 40 and 80 hours, tailored into two learning tracks, AI for software engineers and AI for non-tech careers, addressing Africa’s widening digital skills gap.
By Ruvarashe Gora
“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.”
Backed by a $2 million grant from Google.org, the program will expand WeThinkCode’s AI training capabilities in both countries, focusing on inclusivity by targeting individuals from low-income households, as well as those in peri-urban and rural communities.
The training for software engineers will expose learners to AI-powered programming tools and workflows, while the non-tech stream will help participants in sectors like health, education, and law incorporate AI into routine administrative tasks, enhancing efficiency and performance.
A recent SAP Africa report revealed that 90% of companies on the continent are facing setbacks in innovation and delivery due to a shortage of AI skills, a gap this program seeks to close.
WeThinkCode, known for its tuition-free, aptitude-based training model, has a long-standing mission to empower unemployed youth and bridge the digital divide. With Google.org’s support, the academy will upgrade its Learning Management System to support both in-person and remote training formats, with local language support to boost accessibility.
“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 program will feature employer showcases and progress tracking to ensure graduates are job-ready and able to thrive in AI-influenced industries. With Africa on the brink of a digital skills revolution, this initiative positions its youth not just to keep up, but to lead.
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