South African coding academy WeThinkCode has announced a $2 million grant from Google.org to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) training programmes in South Africa and Kenya. This funding marks a crucial step toward strengthening Africa’s role in the global digital economy, particularly by addressing the continent’s significant shortage of AI skills. Far from being a purely philanthropic move, this grant is a targeted investment in preparing Africa’s workforce for an increasingly AI-driven future.
Tackling a Widening AI Skills Gap
According to a recent SAP report cited by WeThinkCode, around 90% of African companies are already grappling with the consequences of AI talent shortages, leading to stalled projects, lost innovation, and reduced competitiveness. The new initiative by WeThinkCode aims to address this problem head-on by offering tuition-free training to 12,000 learners, half of whom are in non-technical roles. These programmes are designed to equip participants with practical AI knowledge that aligns with both current job market demands and broader economic transformation goals.
A Dual-Track Approach to Upskilling
The training initiative features two distinct streams tailored to different learner profiles. One track will train 6,000 aspiring and early-career software engineers to incorporate AI tools into development workflows. The other track will support 6,000 junior professionals in sectors like healthcare, law, and education, enabling them to use AI for tasks such as automating routine work, analyzing data, and improving day-to-day efficiency.
Flexible Learning Through an Inclusive Platform
Courses will range from 40 to 80 hours in duration and will be delivered both online and in person to accommodate a wide range of learners. WeThinkCode is also upgrading its learning management system to better support remote and hybrid training formats, including local language accessibility. This approach ensures that the training is inclusive and practical, allowing learners from diverse backgrounds to participate and benefit.
Leveraging Industry Partnerships for Employment
A key element of the initiative is the integration of corporate partnerships across industries such as finance, telecoms, and consulting. These collaborations will help learners showcase their newly acquired skills to potential employers, thereby improving their chances of securing meaningful work. The academy's strong network in the private sector is expected to play a critical role in converting training into tangible employment outcomes.
Strengthening Africa’s Position in the AI Economy
This grant places Google.org among a growing list of global technology players investing in Africa’s AI landscape. Similar to other initiatives like Nigeria’s JADA, which secured funding to train mid-career professionals for AI leadership roles, WeThinkCode’s programme signals that Africa’s AI talent pipeline is steadily gaining traction. These developments reflect a broader trend of building local capacity to ensure the continent is not left behind in the fourth industrial revolution.
Leadership Perspectives on the Programme’s Impact
Nyari Samushonga, CEO of WeThinkCode, emphasized that the initiative is about more than just employability. “We don’t just want to prepare young people for jobs,” she said. “We want them to shape the future of work itself.” Haviva Kohl, Senior Programme Manager at Google.org, echoed this sentiment, stating, “AI is a transformative technology, and it’s critical that the benefits are accessible to all.”
With the support of Google.org, WeThinkCode is set to make a meaningful contribution to closing Africa’s AI skills gap. By training thousands of learners across two countries, the programme aims to create a more inclusive and future-ready workforce. As AI continues to redefine industries, this initiative positions Africa not just as a participant but as an active shaper of the global digital economy.