South African coding academy WeThinkCode has secured a $2m grant from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, to expand its AI-focused skills training programmes across South Africa and Kenya. The initiative aims to equip 12,000 learners with AI skills, amid mounting concerns about Africa’s readiness for an AI-driven economy.
The grant underscores Google’s growing interest in developing AI talent in emerging markets, particularly in Africa, where the shortage of relevant skills is becoming an obstacle to innovation.
According to research by SAP cited by WeThinkCode, nine in ten companies in Africa report being negatively impacted by the lack of AI skills — leading to project delays, innovation failures, and missed business opportunities.
Two Streams, One Goal
WeThinkCode, founded in Johannesburg in 2015, runs tuition-free, aptitude-based coding programmes designed to make digital careers accessible to underrepresented communities. The new AI training programme, which is expected to roll out later this year, will be split into two distinct streams:
- AI for Software Engineers: Targeting 6,000 aspiring and early-career engineers, the course will focus on integrating AI-powered programming tools into software development workflows.
- AI for Non-Technical Careers: Another 6,000 participants, including students and junior professionals in fields like law, education, and healthcare, will be trained to use AI to automate routine administrative tasks and improve workplace productivity.
The courses will run for between 40 and 80 hours and will be offered as extracurricular programmes, free of charge. Both in-person and remote participation will be supported through upgrades to the academy’s learning management systems.
As part of the programme, WeThinkCode will also leverage its existing corporate partnerships to connect graduates with job opportunities.
“AI is redefining the future of work, and without intervention, Africa risks being left behind,” said Nyari Samushonga, CEO of WeThinkCode. “This programme ensures that young people, regardless of their socio-economic background, have the skills to participate in and shape the digital economy in meaningful and relevant ways.”
Haviva Kohl, senior programme manager at Google.org, echoed that sentiment: “AI is a transformative technology, and it’s critical that the benefits are accessible to all.”
The initiative comes at a pivotal time for Africa’s digital economy, as governments and private sector players ramp up investment in tech training to plug growing skills gaps.
A Growing Ecosystem for AI Talent
WeThinkCode’s announcement adds to a growing trend of efforts aimed at positioning Africa as a global AI talent hub. Last year, JADA, a Nigerian AI and data skills startup, raised $1m in seed funding to build a pipeline of advanced AI professionals for global markets.
Founded by Massimiliano Spalazzi, former CEO of Jumia Nigeria, and investor Olumide Soyombo, JADA targets mid-career data professionals with a four-month, stipend-supported training programme focused on technical and leadership skills.
Such initiatives are responding to what many global reports describe as a significant shortfall in AI expertise worldwide. According to Google’s own 2024 Data & AI Trend Report, over half of digital leaders say they struggle to hire for AI and data roles.
As companies in Europe, the Middle East, and North America increasingly look to Africa for tech talent, WeThinkCode and others in the space hope that structured training pipelines will help bridge that gap — and ensure African economies aren’t left behind in the global race for AI expertise.