Vodacom Group, a leading and purpose-led African connectivity, digital and financial services company, has partnered with technology providers to provide young people on the continent with access to digital skills as part of its commitment to driving digital literacy for Africa’s next generation. In collaboration with AWS, Microsoft, Skillsoft, and other firms, the organisation will bridge the digital skills gap across eight African nations and upskill 1 million young people by 2027.
The Vodacom Group Digital Skills Hub is available in South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Egypt (Talimy), the Democratic Republic of Congo (VodaEduc), and Kenya (Industry Digital Talent Program) to empower the next generation of digital innovators, enable Africa’s digital society, and leverage existing e-learning platforms in the respective markets.
Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, said:
In many countries, the African continent is plagued by 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. Launching the Digital Skills Hub is a testament to our commitment to pioneering the path to a digital and more inclusive Africa.
Joosub added:
With over 400 million young people between the ages of 15 and 35 in Africa, the continent has the youngest population in the world. Digital is the new currency, so it is imperative that we invest in them and provide them with the necessary digital skills that will not only boost their growth and development but that of the continent, too.
The Vodacom Digital Skills Hub provides access to self-paced, digital skills training for those aged between 18 and 35. This is in addition to the Group’s existing free e-learning platforms across its markets. E-learning and digital classrooms have made it possible for students in remote or underserved areas to access quality education with platforms such as Talimy in Egypt, e-Fahamu in Tanzania, VodaEduc in the Democratic of Congo (DRC), Faz Crescer in Mozambique and an e-learning platform in South Africa, providing a wealth of online resources, which cater to different learning needs.
Matimba Mbungela, Chief Human Resources Officer at Vodacom Group, also commented:
We are extremely excited about this initiative which 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 also to nurture a pipeline of young talent and, in turn, advance Africa’s digital future, boosting opportunities for empowerment in an inclusive digital economy.
The Vodacom Digital Skills Hub is designed to empower the next generation to consider a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It entails fun and engaging practical digital skills training for young people on the continent. AWS Educate is one of the first programs offered through the Digital Skills Hub and is an additional program for Vodacom’s various existing online learning platforms. AWS Educate provides beginners with an extensive library of self-paced online training that covers a range of topics from cloud fundamentals to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
