Vodacom Group has partnered with technology providers AWS, Microsoft, Skillsoft and other collaborating organisations to equip one-million young people across eight African countries with digital skills by 2027.

The parties aim to bridge the digital skills gap and drive digital literacy for Africa’s next generation.

Leveraging existing e-learning platforms in the respective markets, digital innovators will be empowered through Vodacom Group Digital Skills Hubs in South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique and Lesotho, as well as at the Talimy in Egypt, VodaEduc in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Industry Digital Talent Programme in Kenya.

“The launch of the Digital Skills Hub is testament to our commitment to pioneering the path to a digital and more inclusive Africa,” says Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub.

The Vodacom Digital Skills Hub, which encourages careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, provides access to self-paced digital skills training for individuals aged between 18 and 35.

Vodacom cites data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that shows that, while over 230-million jobs will require digital skills in Africa by 2030, the continent faces a significant gap in digital expertise supply and demand.

“The African continent is plagued in many countries with high levels of unemployment, gender inequality, income disparity and limited access to education, healthcare and essential services.

“These challenges inform our purpose and drives our strategy to connect for a better future, leveraging digital technologies to drive inclusion into the future for the betterment of people,” Joosub explains.

This is in addition to Vodacom Group’s existing free e-learning platforms and digital classrooms across its markets, which enable students in remote or underserved areas to access quality education.

These include platforms such as Talimy in Egypt, e-Fahamu in Tanzania, VodaEduc in the DRC, Faz Crescer in Mozambique and an e-learning platform in South Africa, all of which cater to different learning needs.

“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 nurture a pipeline of young talent and in turn advance Africa’s digital future, boosting opportunities for empowerment in an inclusive digital economy,” adds Vodacom Group chief human resources officer Matimba Mbungela.

AWS Educate, which offers beginners an extensive library of self-paced online training on a range of topics – from cloud fundamentals to artificial intelligence and machine learning – is one of the first programmes to be offered through the Digital Skills Hub and an additional programme to Vodacom’s various existing online learning platforms.

“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; it is therefore 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,” says Joosub.

Meanwhile, Vodacom has also partnered with Vuma Reach to introduce fast, reliable prepaid fibre connectivity and job and skills opportunities to underserved townships nationwide.

The partners will train young people from selected townships across the country, who will be employed as agents within their communities to deliver high-speed connectivity.

The agents will participate in a 12-month entrepreneurial skills programme designed to equip them with business management and operational skills, with a “business-in-a-box” model unlocking practical, transferable skills and empowering participants to pursue sustainable careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

“We understand the importance of inclusivity in building a thriving digital society and the urgent need to address youth unemployment. This partnership allows us to create job opportunities for young people while delivering affordable connectivity to underserved communities,” says Vodacom South Africa fixed services executive Johnny Dos Santos.

“Through this programme, we aim to foster a more inclusive society where youth and their communities can actively participate in the digital economy.”