AltSchool Africa, a foremost edtech platform focused on providing Africans with essential digital skills, has launched an innovative initiative called “AI for 10M Africans.”

During the launch event in Lagos, Adewale Yusuf, CEO of AltSchool Africa, highlighted the critical need for AI literacy in today’s rapidly changing world.

“The future belongs to those who are prepared. AI is no longer a technology of the future; it is shaping industries, economies, and everyday life today,” he declared.

“With this initiative, we are taking a bold step to ensure that Africans are not left behind. ‘AI for 10M Africans’ is more than an educational programme—it is a movement to create opportunities and bridge the knowledge gap.”

The ambitious programme aims to provide free and paid artificial intelligence (AI) education to 10 million Africans, demystifying the technology, correcting misconceptions, and empowering individuals to leverage AI in their careers and daily lives.

Adewale also addressed widespread fears about AI displacing jobs, reassuring participants that the initiative is designed to help Africans thrive in the changing landscape.

“There’s a lot of fear in the market—people ask, ‘Is my job going? What’s the future of work?’ We want Africans to understand their role in this global shift,” he explained.

The AI for 10M Africans programme is structured to accommodate learners at all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners.

The curriculum begins with foundational courses introducing AI concepts before progressing to technical topics such as machine learning, data science, AI engineering, and real-world applications.
On her part, Project Lead of AI for 10M Africans, Foluso Folorunsho said: “Many people in Africa still see AI as something distant or even intimidating. Our goal is to change that.

“This initiative provides structured, accessible, and engaging learning experiences that will help Africans understand AI, leverage it for personal and professional growth, and even build AI-powered solutions. Our long-term vision is to create a thriving AI ecosystem in Africa.”

Folorunso emphasised the long-term commitment behind the initiative, stating, “This isn’t a short-term project. We have a five-year roadmap to ensure Africans aren’t just consumers but innovators and leaders in AI.”

Courses will be available in multiple languages, including English, French, Swahili, and Arabic, with plans to include Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Portuguese to ensure inclusivity across the continent.

Participants will engage in hands-on projects and receive recognised certifications, along with career support to apply their skills in various industries.

To achieve its goal of educating 10 million Africans, AltSchool Africa is calling on organisations, governments, and industry leaders to join the movement. “We believe in the power of collective effort,” said Adewale. “AI for 10M Africans is an opportunity for organisations to make a lasting impact by supporting AI education at scale.”

Also speaking, Christine Ashimwe, Business Developer for East Africa, revealed the importance of regional inclusion, stating, “East Africa has 146 million young Africans. We cannot afford to leave them behind in this technological wave.”

With AI adoption accelerating globally, AltSchool Africa’s initiative positions the continent to harness its talent, foster innovation, and create economic opportunities. As Folorunso concluded, “AI is here to stay. Africa missed past tech advancements—we cannot miss this one.”

The AI for 10M Africans initiative is now open for enrolment, with courses accessible via mobile devices to ensure widespread participation.

Ashimwe also stressed the need for policy action, stating, “Policymakers must urgently integrate AI education into African school curricula. We’re working with governments in Cabo Verde, Nigeria, and Rwanda, but this needs to be continent-wide. Our current education no systems are preparing students for a world that no longer exists—we can’t afford to leave another generation behind in the AI revolution.”