Welcome [Back] to Digital Skills for Africa
It has been a while since we last connected with you in this way.
Behind the scenes, we have continued learning, building, and imagining what the future of digital education across Africa could look like.
Today, we’re excited to welcome you to a new chapter of Digital Skills for Africa.
When we started this journey back in 2018, our mission was simple:
to make practical digital skills more accessible to Africans, wherever they are and whatever opportunities they hope to pursue.
Digital Skills for Africa: Road to 2030
Our vision has not changed, but our ambition has grown.
Over the past four years, we have taken the time to revamp our learning platform, and we return with new opportunities for our community, an exciting scholarship initiative, and a bold goal for the years ahead.
We would absolutely love for you to be part of it.
Introducing the Ntha Foundation $5,000 AI & Digital Skills Scholarships
We’re thrilled to announce the Ntha Foundation AI & Digital Skills Scholarship 2027, offering selected African learners scholarships valued at US$5,000 each.
The Ntha Foundation is a U.S.-registered 501[c][3] nonprofit organization established in 2018 with a mission to bridge worlds through creativity and innovation. Over the years, the Foundation has mobilized nearly half a million dollars in funding, and impacted more than 10,000 young people across 50+ African countries, and in the United States.
Through digital skills training, entrepreneurship, business development, media, and creative education, the Foundation continues to expand access to opportunities and empower young people to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Delivered 100% virtually through Digital Skills for Africa, this scholarship will provide funded access to eligible learning opportunities across artificial intelligence, digital technology, entrepreneurship, business, and professional development.
With more than 100 courses available on our platform, we’re creating opportunities for learners to build practical skills for a rapidly changing world.
The scholarship is available to eligible Africans and people of African-descent on the continent and in the diaspora.
Applicants must first create a free Digital Skills for Africa learner account.
Applications open: 1 November 2026
Applications close: 1 December 2026
Learning begins: January 2027
Scholarships fund eligible learning opportunities, and are not cash grants.
Meet Our Alumni: Where Are They Now?
Over the years, we have had the privilege of working with remarkable young Africans who have gone on to pursue multiple degrees, establish businesses, explore creative industries, and continue developing their skills.
Their stories remind us why we started.
Esther Mbale
Digital Communications & Game Development
Having completed her Master’s Degree in Norway, Esther has transformed her training with Digital Skills for Africa into a career in communications. She has worked with organizations including SAIH and the Pan African Students Union, while expanding her expertise in web development and computer science through Harvard’s CS50x programme.
Abdulrazack Moffat
Digital Media & Entrepreneurship
Following his participation in Kwathu’s 2023 Music4Malawi programme, Abdulrazack has continued growing his person brand and Umatha Daily into major digital media platforms. The platform has reached one million followers, generating 100+ million monthly views, and completing over 200 business deals.
Nomsa Faith Nungu
Innovation & International Development
Nomsa began her journey with the Ntha Foundation in 2022 as a PM Intern, supporting the Digital Skills for Africa platform. She has since expanded her work across technology, digital inclusion and development. In 2026, she earned a Master’s Degree in International Development from Yeungnam University in South Korea, graduating with distinction.
These are only a few of the stories emerging from our community. In the months ahead, we will be sharing more of the people, projects and opportunities that have grown from this journey.
Celebrating How Far We’ve Come
Digital Skills for Africa grew from the digital-skills initiatives of Kwathu Kollective, with a mission to bridge gaps in access to technology, education and economic opportunity.
Through programmes supported by partners, including the World Bank-funded Digital Malawi Project, we helped establish innovation and learning infrastructure and expand access to practical training.
The Digital Malawi initiative, supported by US$250,000 in World Bank funding, exceeded its original training target of 500 learners, reaching 647 and supporting the establishment of two innovation hubs.
In 2021, our work was recognised as EdTech Innovation of the Year at the ICT Association of Malawi [ICTAM] Innovation Jam Awards, sponsored by the National Bank of Malawi.
Our founder, Ms. Nthanda Manduwi, was subsequently recognised with the Best International Youth Empowerment Award at the 2024 African Achievement Awards, celebrating our wider commitment to creating opportunities for African youth.
Today, Digital Skills for Africa has reached more than 10,000 learners across 50+ African countries.
We’re proud of these milestones. More importantly, we’re grateful to the learners, facilitators, partners and supporters who made them possible.
The Road to 2030: One Million African Learners
We’re setting ourselves a new and ambitious goal:
To equip one million young Africans with foundational digital skills by 2030.
We know that achieving this will require more than one online learning platform.
It will require better access to learning, stronger partnerships, relevant content, practical pathways into employment and entrepreneurship, and technology that can reach learners wherever they are.
Our roadmap begins with strengthening the foundation we’ve built.
Digital Skills for Africa: 2026–2030
Refreshing our platform, reengaging our community, and making learning opportunities easier to discover.
Launching new scholarships, learning pathways and partnerships that make digital education more accessible.
Investing in learning infrastructure, institutional relationships and pathways from skills development into real-world opportunities.
Advancing the technology and partnerships needed to support a more independent, scalable African learning platform.
Working toward a continent-wide learning ecosystem that helps young Africans build the capabilities to participate in the digital economy.
We don’t expect to achieve this alone. And we don’t intend to.
Join Us in Building the Next Chapter
Our journey has been shaped by collaboration across the public, private, development and education sectors, including initiatives supported by the World Bank, European Union, GIZ, and Government of Malawi.
As we look toward 2030, we’re inviting new partners to join us.
Whether you’re a business looking to invest in digital talent, a technology company interested in expanding access, a university or school seeking learning partnerships, or an organisation committed to youth economic empowerment, there’s a place for you in this mission.
We’re particularly interested in collaborating on scholarships, digital learning infrastructure, curriculum development, access to technology, and pathways from learning into work and entrepreneurship.
Let’s explore what we can build together.
The Journey Continues
To everyone who has taken a course, attended a workshop, mentored a learner, supported a project, or believed in our vision over the years: thank you.
We’re excited about what we’ve accomplished. We’re even more excited about what comes next.
Welcome back to Digital Skills for Africa.
Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep building.
With appreciation,
The Digital Skills for Africa Team
Digital Skills for Africa — Bridging the Digital Divide.
What's Next in Technology?
Explore what is changing across artificial intelligence, hardware, cybersecurity, digital marketing and the future of work. Upskill for your next opportunity, and get certified in the fields of your expertise.
Here's the AI Roadmap You Actually Need
Tina Huang
