100 Young Africans Trained in AI, Product Design as Experts Push for a Digitally Skilled Continent

As artificial intelligence and digital technologies continue to reshape the global economy, efforts to equip young Africans with future-ready skills are gaining momentum, with more than 100 youths from across the continent recently receiving hands-on training in emerging technologies and product development.

The capacity-building initiative, spearheaded by technology expert Emmanuel Brendan in collaboration with the Veronica Anthony Foundation, TechnRise DTI and other development partners, brought together participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and several other African countries through community learning platforms and technology hubs.

The programme forms part of broader efforts aimed at narrowing Africa’s digital divide and preparing young people to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world, where digital literacy is fast becoming a prerequisite for employment and entrepreneurship.

Participants underwent intensive training in key areas including artificial intelligence, UI/UX design, product development and data literacy, with organisers placing emphasis on practical applications rather than theoretical knowledge.

Speaking on Tuesday, facilitator and Senior UI/UX Designer and Product Engineer, Emmanuel Brendan, described digital literacy as the defining skill of the modern era.

“Digital literacy is no longer optional. It is the new literacy. If young Africans master digital skills today, they will not only secure jobs but also create solutions that solve local and global problems. That is how we build Africa’s digital future,” he said.

Brendan noted that beyond technical instruction, the initiative was designed to help participants transition from learning to earning through mentorship, career guidance and structured community support.

“I have dedicated a significant part of my career to mentorship, education and talent development through structured training programmes, workshops, community initiatives and one-on-one mentorship sessions and career guidance to help participants transition from learning to earning,” he said.

According to him, the curriculum was intentionally designed to be practical and human-centred, allowing individuals with little or no previous exposure to technology to understand concepts such as design thinking, product engineering and user experience.

“The curriculum was designed to be human-centred and practical, enabling youths without prior tech backgrounds to grasp design thinking, product engineering and user experience principles,” he added.

The initiative comes at a time when concerns are mounting over youth unemployment and the widening digital skills gap across Africa.