Vodacom to digitally upskill 1M young Africans

Telecommunications operator Vodacom Group has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Skillsoft and others to upskill 1 million young Africans across eight countries with digital skills by 2027.

In a statement, Vodacom said the Digital Skills Hub is available in South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kenya.

The telco said the Digital Skills Hub aims to empower the next generation of digital innovators, enable Africa's digital society and leverage existing e-learning platforms in the respective markets.

The company said that according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), over 230 million jobs will require digital skills in Africa by 2030.

However, Africa faces a significant gap in supply and demand for digital expertise.

Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said that many countries in Africa are plagued with high levels of unemployment, gender inequality, income disparity and limited access to education, healthcare and essential services.

"These challenges inform our purpose and drive our strategy to connect for a better future, leveraging digital technologies to drive inclusion into the future for the betterment of people. The launch of the Digital Skills Hub is a testament to our commitment to pioneering the path to a digital and more inclusive Africa," he explained.

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Vodacom Digital Skills Hub

The telco said its Vodacom Digital Skills Hub provides access to self-paced digital skills training for those aged between 18 and 35.

Vodacom said this is in addition to its existing free e-learning platforms across its markets.

Vodacom Group's chief human resources officer, Matimba Mbungela, said the initiative seeks to inspire the next wave of digital innovators.

"Our main aim with this initiative is to not only address the digital skills shortage on the continent but to also nurture a pipeline of young talent and in turn advance Africa's digital future, boosting opportunities for empowerment in an inclusive digital economy," he explained.

Vodacom Group Chief Human Resources Officer Matimba Mbungela. (Source: Vodacom Group)

The telco said the skills hub aims to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by providing engaging and practical digital skills training for young people across the continent.

The telco said that one of the initial programs available through the Digital Skills Hub is AWS Educate.

"AWS Educate offers beginners an extensive library of self-paced online training that covers a range of topics from cloud fundamentals to artificial intelligence and machine learning," Vodacom explained in a statement.

Digital skills programs in Africa

Vodacom Group's announcement comes at a time when many tech companies and African governments are working towards equipping the continent with digital skills.

In September 2024, tech giant Google and the Zambian government partnered to set up an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence at the University of Zambia (UNZA).

In June 2024, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Intel teamed up to equip 3 million Africans and 30,000 government officials with advanced AI skills.

Microsoft and M-Pesa Africa combined to digitize skilling for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, the DRC and Tanzania, in October 2023.

In June 2023, the Ugandan government partnered with the World Bank to launch the Universal Digital Acceleration Program to provide Internet connectivity to refugee camps.