Only a few decades ago, a successful career was dependent on location.
If you had tech dreams…Silicon Valley was the place to be.
That world no longer exists.
Today, it’s talent and not geography that determines tech opportunities.
In-demand tech skilled professionals can now work for international companies in any country–no visa required.
According to the World Economic Forum, 70% of future jobs will require cutting-edge education and warns that it is imperative that Africa is not left behind.
For young Africans…this is an opportunity.
The rise of a global digital economy is creating unprecedented opportunities.
But is Africa’s youthful population equipped to fill these roles?
The Digital Skill Gap in Africa
Africa’s digital economy is growing at an astonishing rate.
Mobile money transactions on the continent already exceed $800 billion annually.
And in 2025, e-commerce revenue is projected to reach $46 billion.
The International Finance Corporation asserts that 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
Artificial Intelligence…cybersecurity…cloud computing and blockchain technology are constantly evolving and creating new career opportunities.
Yet, a majority of Africa’s youth are lagging behind because they lack these in-demand skill sets.
The Digital Skills Gap in Numbers
- Only 22% of secondary school students in Africa have access to digital learning tools.
- Less than 1% of African university graduates specialize in high-demand tech fields like artificial intelligence.
- Only 50% of African countries have ‘computer’ skills as part of the school curriculum compared to 85% globally.
- Across 15 African countries, only 5% of young people understand basic coding or use specialized software.
- Funding for tech education is only concentrated in a few major cities, leaving millions without access.
Why Many Young Africans Struggle in the Tech Space
Many young people attain a level of education or are self-taught through online platforms, demonstrating a strong interest in digital literacy and upskilling.
They are highly aspirational, globally aware and eager to participate in Africa’s digital renaissance.
But can they compete with the rest of the world?
No!
It’s not a lack of ambition.
Many young Africans are eager to learn programming, data science or cybersecurity.
But they face multiple roadblocks along the way.
1. Cost Barriers
Top IT bootcamps charge thousands of dollars.
A single online certification course can cost more than an entire semester’s tuition at a local university.
2. Lack of Equipment
In some areas in Africa, young people travel miles just to access a computer at an internet café.
Many school students don’t have personal laptops. Without access to reliable devices, self-learning becomes nearly impossible.
3. Limited Internet Access
Even when free courses are available online, they require a stable internet connection.
A majority of rural areas have weak internet connectivity which makes it difficult to stream lessons or access coding platforms.
4. Visibility & Awareness
Tech loans and grants are available. But many young people have no idea on how to access them.
They struggle with the application process.
Or simply cannot compete with candidates from other countries with stronger educational backgrounds.
5. Global Payment Platforms
Restrictions on platforms like PayPal, Stripe and others create obstacles for online transactions.
A lack of seamless digital payment solutions always creates financial instability.
The result?
A vicious cycle where Africa’s youth is isolated from a lucrative global digital economy.
And countries are deprived of tech tools they can harness for radical societal transformation.
How Tech Scholarships are Creating New Pathways
Understanding the aspirations of young Africans interested in the digital space and providing the right opportunities empowers them to succeed.
Addressing these factors through tech scholarships enables them to drive Africa’s tech transformation and position the continent as a major force in the world’s digitized economy.
A well-structured scholarship doesn’t just fund education—it creates wealth, empowers the youth and fosters Africa’s economic growth.
Some of the most impactful programs include:
1. Google Africa Developer Scholarship
- Offers free courses in Android and web development.
- Top graduates gain access to Google’s hiring network.
2. ALX Software Engineering Program
- Fully funded training in coding, cloud computing and data science.
- Alumni work at global tech giants like Microsoft and AWS.
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Covers tuition for university-level tech courses.
- Includes leadership training and career development.
4. TalentMakers Foundation
- Facilitate skills and mentorship to thrive in the global tech industry.
- Offer career guidance, networking opportunities and financial empowerment.
Success Stories: Transforming Lives Through Technology
From Kibera to Google
Brian Otieno grew up in Kibera–one of the largest slums in Nairobi. He barely had access to a computer, but he had a passion for technology.
When Brian received a Google Africa Developer Scholarship…everything changed.
He completed his training, built a strong portfolio and is now a front-end developer for a U.S. based company.
A South African Woman in Cybersecurity
Thndiwe Nkosi was one of the few female enrollees in her university’s computer science program.
A Mastercard Foundation scholarship gave her the financial support she needed to specialize in cybersecurity.
Today, she leads security operations at a fintech startup.
Nigerian Fintech Founder Started with a Scholarship
Chuka Adigwe was stuck in a low-paying job when he discovered the ALX coding program.
The fully funded training helped him start a company.
That business presently processes transactions for small businesses across West Africa.
Each of these testimonials highlight a simple point.
It shows that tech is transforming lives which guarantees economic mobility for African economies.
According to a Partech Africa Study, 50% of African startup founders who raised over $1 million had received international training or mentorship.
This statistic underscores the significant role tech programs and scholarships play in the success of African startups.
The global exposure and networking opportunities also helps them navigate challenges more effectively, secure funding more easily and scale their businesses faster.
Using Tech Scholarships to Empower Young Africans
Digital technology is the future.
But many young Africans are being left behind.
The skill gap isn’t just about just having a smartphone or an internet connection–it’s about tapping into opportunities.
Without training, mentorship and collaborations, millions of young people will remain locked out of careers that offer financial freedom and uplift societies.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re a young African looking to enter tech, waiting for the perfect opportunity isn’t an option.
Tech scholarships are available through organizations like Andela, ALX, Google’s Africa Developer Scholarship and TalentMakers Foundation.
Here’s how you can start today:
- Search for Scholarships: Set Google Alerts for terms like “tech scholarships for Africans” to get notified of new opportunities.
- Use Free Learning Resources: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy and Harvard’s CS50 offer free courses.
- Build a Portfolio: Even if you’re just starting, create small projects and showcase them online.
- Network: Join online communities like Google Developer Groups, Andela or TalentMakers social spaces.
Final Thought: The Biggest Risk Is Doing Nothing
Since the digital economy isn’t waiting for anyone.
Young Africans who gain digital skills today will be in the forefront of shaping the continent’s future—whether in startups, remote work or corporate leadership.
Tech scholarships offer a chance to break through barriers.
But the opportunities are only for those who take action.
If you’ve been thinking about entering tech, there’s no better time than now.
The world needs skilled professionals and Africa is full of untapped potential.
About TalentMakers Foundation
TalentMakers Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young Africans with in-demand tech skills and global career opportunities.
Our mission is to equip the next generation of African tech leaders with the skills they need to thrive in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Apply for our human capacity developmental programs, become a mentor or support our initiatives today!
