The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Google, and renowned rapper and entrepreneur Will.i.am have announced a new initiative aimed at empowering young Africans through artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics education.
Unveiled at the Digital@UNGA event during the United Nations General Assembly, the program will initially target youth aged 10-18 in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, with plans to expand to other nations over time.
The initiative will distribute robotics kits, deliver educational content customised to local contexts, and provide teacher training to foster STEM skills among underserved communities. Google will contribute $1 million in funding via its Google.org Foundation, alongside technical expertise to support implementation. The program emphasises reaching girls and underrepresented groups in tech, building on the ITU and UNICEF-led Giga initiative, which aims to connect schools across the continent.
Despite the increasing demand for digital skills, only 53% of young Africans aged 15 to 24 had internet access in 2023, significantly below the global average of 79%, according to the ITU. However, the need for digital literacy is rising rapidly; a 2023 study by the International Finance Corporation, cited by the World Economic Forum, projects nearly 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
“In our technology-driven global economy, there is an urgent need to help young people in disadvantaged areas catch up so they can participate. With skills in STEM, robotics, and AI, young talent in Africa can help solve the world’s most pressing problems,” said Will.i.am.
This partnership between public and private sectors underscores the strategic role of digital technology in preparing Africa’s youth for future employment opportunities and bridging the digital divide that hampers their global competitiveness. The initiative aims to cultivate local talent, foster innovation, and create pathways for sustainable economic development across the continent.
