Google has announced a commitment to train one million young Africans in digital skills in the next year.
In realising this commitment, Google is supporting its partner Livity Africa to run two training programs: Digify Bytes, to give digital skills to young people looking to develop a digital career; and Digify Pro, a 3-month “immersion programme” for digital specialists.
These programs have already launched in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, and will be scaled to reach more people in the next 12 months. A group of 65 volunteer Googlers from around the world are helping the Livity team with content development, “training the trainers” and, in some cases, delivering the training sessions.
Additionally, Google has announced the launch of digifyafrica.com, a free online-learning portal that will house a range of digital skills courses, available to anyone in Africa. The courses are designed to be as light on data as possible so they don’t eat up valuable airtime. There are nine training courses already available and Google aims to have 50 available by July.
“The internet is at the heart of economic growth and the Digital Skills Program is aimed at helping more Africans play a part in the digital economy,” says Luke McKend Country Director, South Africa. “Everyone can succeed online, start a new business, grow their existing one, or share their passion.”