Google.org Grants $2M to WeThinkCode for AI Training in Africa

Google.org has awarded a $2 million grant to South African tech education nonprofit WeThinkCode to train 12,000 young Africans in artificial intelligence (AI) skills by 2026. As a result, the funding will expand access to AI-focused education and strengthen Africa’s pipeline of tech talent ready for the future of work.

WeThinkCode, known for its tuition-free coding academy model, will use the grant to scale operations in South Africa and additionally extend its reach to Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Notably, these countries stand out for their fast-growing tech ecosystems, youthful demographics, and strong interest in digital skills. To support this growth, the organization plans to embed AI into its core curriculum, with an emphasis on hands-on, industry-relevant skills such as machine learning, data science, and natural language processing.

Moreover, the grant contributes to Google’s broader $1 billion pledge toward Africa’s digital transformation, announced in 2021. That initiative supports infrastructure, startups, and workforce development. In this context, partnering with WeThinkCode advances this mission by helping to close the continent’s widening tech skills gap

Curriculum Focus and Broader Impact

The program will deliver practical AI training through project-based learning, real-world problem-solving, and mentorship. Rather than solely focusing on technical coding, WeThinkCode aims to produce AI-savvy individuals who can apply their skills in vital sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and public services. Furthermore, WeThinkCode plans to expand opportunities for marginalized and underrepresented communities. Its outreach strategy focuses on increasing female participation in tech, bridging the rural-urban digital divide, and offering laptops and internet access to learners who face economic barriers.Read more here

Nyari Samushonga, managing director of WeThinkCode, emphasized the importance of the investment. “This equips us to offer tools, networks, and education that open doors for thousands of young people who would otherwise miss out on the digital economy,” she said.

Rising Demand for AI Skills

AI adoption continues to rise globally, and consequently, the demand for qualified talent grows rapidly. A 2023 report from the World Economic Forum listed AI and machine learning specialists among the fastest-growing job roles worldwide. However, despite having one of the youngest populations on Earth, Africa still faces limited access to formal AI training.

To bridge this gap, the WeThinkCode Google.org collaboration offers no-cost, high-quality education. By eliminating traditional barriers such as tuition fees, limited connectivity, and lack of access to learning tools, the program empowers more young Africans to enter the tech industry. In turn, it provides the structure, tools, and mentorship necessary to prepare learners for future-proof careers.

Expansion for Digital Growth Across Competitive Markets

By 2026, WeThinkCode expects program graduates to drive innovation within local startups, contribute to digital growth across industries, and compete successfully in global tech markets. Ultimately, the grant represents more than financial backing it signals a shift toward building local capacity and fostering homegrown solutions. Africa’s young tech talent isn’t waiting for opportunities; instead, it is creating them through organizations like WeThinkCode, especially as the continent positions itself within the fast-moving global tech and energy transition landscape.