Google promises to train one million Africans in digital skills

There’s no doubting that internet penetration, digital skills and economic growth are closely entwined.

So it comes as no surprise to hear that Google has announced a “commitment” to train one million Africans in digital skills in the space of a year.

Google confirmed the news in a blog post and a press statement, saying it is supporting non-profit Livity Africa to run two free digital skills programmes in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

“A group of 65 Googlers from nine different countries have helped Livity develop content, provide mentorship and, in some cases, deliver the training,” it added.

“The internet is at the heart of economic growth and the Digital Skills Programme is aimed at helping more Africans play a part in the digital economy. Everyone can succeed online, start a new business, grow their existing one, or share their passion,” said Google’s country director for SA Luke McKend in a statement.

An entry-level course

The first programme, dubbed Digify Bytes, is a one or two day course “aimed at helping young people develop a digital career”, according to the Digify website.

Topics covered in this course include digital marketing, SEO, web design, UX design, content marketing, social media, digital strategy, research and trends and measuring the success of a strategy.

The Digify Bytes courses are currently set to take place in Nairobi (15-16 April) and Lagos (23 April).

More intensive training

The second programme, called Digify Pro, takes place over three months “in a real workplace”.

However, it’s worth noting that the Digify Pro course is only taking place in Cape Town and Johannesburg for now.

This course covers digital campaigns, social media/content creation, AdWords, Google Search, Analytics and YouTube.

The programme also pledges to help graduates secure an internship or full-time job.

A dedicated website for courses

Can’t make it to these programmes? Then Livity Africa and Google are offering a dedicated free learning portal at digifyafrica.com, hosting various tutorials and courses.

The website hosts nine courses already, with a view to having 50 programmes by July.

Google adds that the website is optimised to be as light on data as possible.

The company said that it was also in talks with several other partners on the continent to expand the programme to more countries.

 

Header image via official Google Africa Blog.