African Leadership International’s, ALX, has announced that it has enrolled over 6,000 young Kenyans, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of technological skills and knowledge among the country’s youth. This achievement is part of a larger celebration that saw more than 32,000 new tech learners across eight African countries embark on their training journey. ALX offers a range of newly launched all-tech programs, including Data Science, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Salesforce Administrator, and a blended learning Software Engineering program. Notably, over half of the new learners have chosen to pursue data-related courses, such as Data Science or Data Analytics.
Fred Swaniker, the founder of ALX Africa and CEO of African Leadership International, expressed his vision for the future, stating, “By the end of this century, 40% of the world’s population will be African. Yet Africa only has 3% of the world’s software engineers. Given its abundance of young talent, we see Africa as well-positioned to solve the massive global shortage of technology skills. Our mission at ALX is to harness this wealth of human capital by developing millions of digital leaders from the continent in the next decade.”
In addition to enrolling new students, ALX Kenya has also announced the opening of new tech hubs in Nairobi. These tech hubs aim to address the critical infrastructural challenges faced by many students by providing high-speed internet and stable electricity in accessible co-working spaces. The hubs are designed to foster productivity and offer opportunities for peer support, training, networking, and professional development. For the first time, ALX’s programs will blend online learning with in-person training, creating an immersive and comprehensive learning experience.
Peter Muriithii, General Manager at ALX Kenya and The ROOM, highlighted the significance of the new tech hubs, saying, “Our new tech hubs will enable deepened training, cultivate growth, and build professional competencies needed for the ever-changing world of work. We intend the hubs to be a space where learners will be developed into well-rounded tech professionals, equipped with not only technical skills but also the soft skills that are crucial to succeed in high-growth industries.”
To celebrate the commencement of their training, ALX organized Karibu “Orientation” ceremonies for the thousands of new learners joining the program. These first cohorts will receive training in some of the most in-demand skills of today, preparing them to launch and advance their careers in the global digital economy.
ALX has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to address the worldwide tech talent shortfall, which is projected to exceed 85 million people by 2030. With over 85,000 learners graduating from ALX since 2021, and approximately 85% of its graduates finding employment within six months, the organization is well on its way to building the largest pool of trained technical professionals in Africa. ALX also offers lifelong learning, mentorship, and career opportunities to its graduates, recognizing the importance of ongoing career development.
Reeta Roy, President of the Mastercard Foundation, emphasized the significance of partnerships in advancing financial inclusion and education in Africa. She stated, “We believe that this can only be achieved by working in partnership with organizations like ALX that are aligned with our vision to provide the necessary skills and training at scale for the continent’s young population. Together we can catalyze growth and the role of Africa in solving global challenges.”
Read: ALX Launches New Tech Programmes for 2023
