Equity, iamtheCODE Partner to Equip 600,000 Youth with Digital Skills
Equity, iamtheCODE Partner to Equip 600,000 Youth with Digital Skills
iamtheCODE, the first African-led global movement advancing STEAMD (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Design) education, has partnered with Equity Group Foundation (EGF) to empower 600,000 learners across Africa with digital and technical skills.
Building Africa’s Digital Workforce
The partnership will introduce a Digital Academy offering over 65,000 free online upskilling and certification resources. Learners will access coding lessons, leadership workshops, mentorship, and open-source digital courses designed for women, girls, and youth, especially from underserved communities.
Building on Equity Group Foundation’s legacy programs, such as Wings to Fly and the Equity Leadership Program, which have supported more than 60,000 young people through school and 29,000 in universities, the new initiative extends support to refugees and vulnerable groups, preparing them for economic independence.
Equity, iamtheCODE Partner to Equip 600,000 Youth with Digital Skills
Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi said the collaboration responds to the growing need for future-ready skills.
“Education alone is not enough. Today’s employers seek expertise in areas like AI, coding, and data analytics. These skills are scarce and urgently needed,” he said.
Dr. Mwangi noted that Africa’s youthful population is a strength. “With a median age of 18, our youth are digital natives. The 600,000 licenses from iamtheCODE will open global opportunities, enabling them to work remotely and participate in the global digital economy,” he added.
Empowering Communities Through Technology
Founded by Lady Mariéme Jamme, iamtheCODE operates in 89 countries and aims to train one million female learners globally by 2030. Jamme said Africa must move quickly to equip its youth and refugees with digital and soft skills.
“We are in emergency mode in Africa. Our people must be skilled. This partnership reflects the collaboration Africa needs. Together with Equity Group, we can ensure every girl, regardless of background, learns to innovate and lead in the digital economy,” she said.
The initiative will also build soft skills such as teamwork, empathy, and collaboration.
Equity Group will support learners through loans for digital tools, internships, and funding for startups. Graduates will gain access to Equity’s network of 23 million customers to help digitize small businesses.
The partnership aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those promoting quality education, gender equality, and innovation.
It also supports Equity’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, aimed at driving economic growth across the region.
