In a move to democratise artificial intelligence (AI) and position Africa as a global leader in the digital age, AltSchool Africa, a foremost African edtech startup, launched the “Artificial Intelligence for 10 Million Africans” initiative. The announcement, made during a press conference in Lagos covered by Technext, signals a transformative shift in how Africans engage with AI, aiming to empower 10 million individuals across the continent with free, accessible, and practical AI education over the next five years.
Unlike traditional tech education programmes that often cater to urban elites or those with advanced technical backgrounds, AltSchool Africa’s initiative stands out for its inclusive, grassroots approach. The programme is designed to reach everyone, from rural farmers to city-dwelling professionals.
This unique angle of universal accessibility is underpinned by a mobile-first strategy and multilingual delivery, with courses rolling out in English, French, Swahili, and Arabic to ensure no linguistic barrier stands in the way of learning.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of AltSchool Africa, Adewale Yusuf, framed the initiative as a clarion call to action:
“The future belongs to those who are prepared,” Yusuf declared. “AI is no longer a distant dream; it is shaping industries, economies, and everyday life today. With this initiative, we are ensuring Africans are not left behind. This is more than an educational programme; it is a movement to create opportunities, bridge the knowledge gap and spark innovation.”
His words underscored a sense of urgency and optimism, painting a picture of an Africa ready to leapfrog into the forefront of the ongoing technological revolution.
Foluso Folorunso, the project lead for “AI for 10 Million Africans”, outlined a five-year roadmap, emphasising the initiative’s inclusive approach.
“Many people in Africa still see AI as something distant or intimidating,” she said. “Our goal is to change that. We are starting with foundational courses to demystify AI and correct misconceptions, then progressing to technical topics like machine learning, data science, and AI engineering. Ultimately, we want Africans to build AI-powered solutions that address our unique challenges.”
Folorunso’s vision is clear: This is not about replacing humans with machines but empowering individuals to harness AI as a tool for progress.
What you should know about AltSchool’s AI for 10 million Africans initiative
What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on practical empowerment rather than theoretical knowledge alone. Participants will receive recognised certifications and career support, enabling them to apply their skills across industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. Yusuf highlighted partnerships with universities, tech firms, and government agencies as key to scaling the program’s impact.
“This is not just another AI course. We are building a movement that will impact Africa’s technological and economic future,” Folorunso asserted.
The program’s mobile-friendly design is a game-changer in a continent where smartphone penetration far outpaces access to traditional computers. By leveraging this widespread technology, AltSchool Africa ensures that learners can “key in from anywhere”, as Folorunso put it.
Christine Ashimwe, AltSchool’s business developer for East Africa, brought a regional perspective to the launch.
“In East Africa, where 146 million young people are seeking opportunities, we must equip them to leverage AI, not fear it,” she said. “The next wave of African innovation will be powered by AI, and our mission is to ensure our youth are leaders in this transformation.”
Her remarks highlighted the initiative’s relevance in a region teeming with potential but often underserved by tech education.
Beyond individual empowerment, the initiative carries broader implications for Africa’s tech ecosystem. Folorunso advocated for policymakers to integrate AI into national education curricula, a call that aligns with the program’s long-term vision of fostering a thriving AI ecosystem across the continent.
She stressed that the goal is not to replace humans in the workplace but to equip Africans with the knowledge to harness AI as a tool for progress.
“It’s about preparing Africans for the next big thing,” she said.
To achieve its lofty target of 10 million learners, AltSchool Africa is inviting collaborations from organisations, governments, and industry leaders. Yusuf urged stakeholders to contribute through sponsorships, mentorship programmes, or job opportunities for certified graduates.
“We believe in the power of collective effort,” he said. “AI for 10 million Africans is an opportunity for organisations to make a lasting impact by supporting AI education at scale.”
The launch has already sparked excitement online, with posts on X praising the initiative’s inclusivity and ambition. One user noted, “AltSchool Africa wants everyone, including your grandma, to learn AI,” capturing the program’s universal appeal. Registration is now open at AltSchoolAfrica.com/learnai, where interested learners can explore course details and join the movement.
As Africa keys into the technological revolution, AltSchool Africa’s initiative could be the catalyst that propels the continent forward. By breaking down barriers to AI education and fostering a culture of innovation, this programme promises not just to teach skills but to redefine Africa’s role in the global digital economy. With five years to reach its goal, the journey has just begun, but its ripples may be felt for generations.
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