In a landmark initiative, Vodacom Group has unveiled its Digital Skills Hub, a platform designed to upskill one million African youth by 2027. Partnering with tech giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, and Skillsoft, the program aims to address the growing digital expertise gap across the continent.
The Digital Skills Hub will operate in eight African countries—South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Egypt (via Talimy), the Democratic Republic of Congo (through VodaEduc), and Kenya (via the Industry Digital Talent Program). These platforms will empower young people aged 18 to 35 with self-paced, practical training in digital skills to prepare them for the jobs of the future.
According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), over 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills by 2030. However, the current supply of qualified professionals falls far short of demand.
Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, emphasized the importance of the initiative in addressing unemployment, gender inequality, and limited access to education.
“The Digital Skills Hub is a testament to our commitment to pioneering a digital and more inclusive Africa,” Joosub said. “By leveraging digital technologies, we aim to create opportunities that drive inclusion and innovation for the betterment of people.”
The program builds on Vodacom’s existing e-learning platforms, which have already transformed education access across its markets. Platforms like Talimy in Egypt, e-Fahamu in Tanzania, and Faz Crescer in Mozambique have provided remote learners with resources tailored to diverse educational needs.
Through the Digital Skills Hub, programs like AWS Educate are set to play a pivotal role. AWS Educate offers beginner-friendly, self-paced online training in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, ensuring that young Africans gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.
With over 400 million people aged 15 to 35, Africa has the youngest population in the world. Matimba Mbungela, Vodacom’s Chief Human Resources Officer, highlighted the initiative’s focus on preparing this demographic for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“This initiative not only addresses the digital skills shortage but also nurtures a pipeline of young talent to advance Africa’s digital future,” Mbungela stated.
The program aims to inspire youth to embrace STEM careers while providing them with tools to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.
As Vodacom invests in equipping Africa’s next generation with digital skills, the Digital Skills Hub represents a significant step toward fostering innovation, economic empowerment, and inclusivity across the continent.
With ambitious goals and strong partnerships, the program is poised to transform Africa’s digital landscape, ensuring the continent is well-positioned to thrive in the global digital economy.