South Africa Partners with Google to Train 5,000 in Digital and AI Skills
South Africa is preparing to sign a partnership with Google aimed at strengthening digital and artificial intelligence skills among young people. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) said on 24 March that the programme will provide 5,000 Google certification scholarships to top-performing candidates. The initiative will bring together students, lecturers, and staff from
South Africa Partners with Google to Train 5,000 in Digital and AI Skills
South Africa is preparing to sign a partnership with Google aimed at strengthening digital and artificial intelligence skills among young people. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) said on 24 March that the programme will provide 5,000 Google certification scholarships to top-performing candidates.
The initiative will bring together students, lecturers, and staff from public universities, TVET colleges, and community education and training (CET) institutions, with particular attention on rural and peri-urban areas where access to digital training remains limited. The agreement is expected to be signed on 30 March 2026 at Google’s offices in Bryanston, Johannesburg, under Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mimmy Gondwe.
Training Model and Certification Opportunities
Under the partnership, Google will train educators in artificial intelligence through a train-the-trainer model, enabling them to pass on these skills within their institutions. Participants will also have access to certifications in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and IT support—fields that are in high demand in the job market. The deal further includes support for digital infrastructure, with Google providing tools and helping to improve IT systems at participating institutions to support more effective digital learning.
Unemployment Pressures and Skills Gaps
The timing comes against the backdrop of ongoing pressure in the labour market. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported a national unemployment rate of 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025. Youth unemployment remains especially high, reaching 46.1% among those aged 15 to 34 in the same period. Although the overall rate declined slightly to 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, youth unemployment still stood at 43.8%.
This shows a wider challenge, where a gap between available skills and labour market demand continues to persist. The World Bank’s Digital Progress and Trends Report 2025 notes that, despite improvements in mobile coverage, many people still struggle to use the internet effectively due to high costs and limited digital skills.
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