Learn AI. Build Digital Skills. Unlock Global Opportunities.
The future belongs to those who know how to work with Artificial Intelligence. Through a US$500 Study Grant, the AI Digital Skills Literacy Programme is helping underserved young Africans gain practical, AI-powered digital skills that prepare them for employment, entrepreneurship, and the future of work by removing financial barriers and expanding access to quality digital skills education.
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t.
Talent is everywhere across Africa, but access to quality digital skills education is not. Too many young people have the passion to succeed but lack the opportunity to learn in-demand skills that today’s economy requires.
The AI Digital Skills Literacy Program exists to change that.
We are investing in people—not just training them—by creating structured pathways that help young Africans build relevant skills, strengthen their confidence, and prepare for meaningful opportunities in the digital economy.
Committed to making opportunity depend on talent, not circumstance.
The AI Digital Skills Literacy Program is one of the flagship programs of the Tech4Underserved Initiative—a long-term commitment by the YouthUp Global Community Development Foundation to expand equitable access to AI-powered digital skills education for underserved and underrepresented communities across Africa.
The Initiative is designed to reach young people who often face significant barriers to quality learning and opportunity, including:
- Young people from low-income and economically disadvantaged communities.
- Rural and remote communities with limited access to digital education.
- Women and girls seeking greater participation in the digital economy.
- Persons with disabilities and other physically challenged individuals.
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, and conflict-affected communities.
- Marginalised and historically underserved populations.
- Out-of-school youth and those with limited access to formal education.
- Unemployed and underemployed young people.
- Young entrepreneurs and aspiring innovators with limited access to digital capacity-building opportunities.
- Other vulnerable young people who demonstrate the potential and commitment to benefit from the programme.
Talent is universal. Opportunity should be too.
That is the future we are committed to building—one learner, one community, and one opportunity at a time.
Learn from Industry Experts
The programme is delivered by the Utidia Academy Faculty—a network of experienced facilitators, mentors, trainers, and industry practitioners committed to developing Africa’s next generation of digital professionals.
Comprehensive Learning Module
Learning combines live sessions, practical assignments, mentorship, collaborative activities, and hands-on projects that help participants apply what they learn.
Flexible, Cohort-Based Learning
Each cohort typically runs for 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the selected learning pathway, curriculum, and program structure.
From Learning to Opportunity
Participants who successfully complete the programme and satisfy the graduation requirements may become eligible to transition into the Utidia Work4Xperience Digital Apprenticeship Programme, where learning is translated into practical workplace experience.
Continued Investment in Your Journey
As part of our commitment to supporting participants beyond the classroom, asides the US$500 Study Grant, the Foundation also covers the US$5 participation fee required for eligible graduates to join the Utidia Work4Xperience Digital Apprenticeship Programme.
Get Access to US$500 Study Grant
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping every industry. To prepare participants for this future, the YouthUp Global Community Development Foundation is investing US$500 into eligible applicants.
The Study Grant is the Foundation’s investment in your future. It removes financial barriers by covering the cost of your learning and giving you access to structured, high-quality AI-powered digital skills training.
The grant is applied directly to your participation in the programme. It is not a cash award to participants.
AI Skills for real-world impact
Choose from in-demand learning pathways designed for today’s job market and tomorrow’s possibilities.
AI for Digital Operations
AI for Programme & Project Management
AI for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL)
AI for Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
AI for Digital Marketing & Communications
AI for Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence & Workflow Automation
AI for Research, Policy & Development
AI for Software, Web & Product Development
AI for UI/UX Design & Creative Media
Skills get you in. Professional readiness helps you stay
Alongside technical training, every participant completes a Professional, Employability & Soft Skills Module designed to build the confidence, workplace behaviours, and professional competencies required to succeed in today’s global workforce.
- Professional Communication
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Leadership & Personal Effectiveness
- Workplace Ethics & Professionalism
- Emotional Intelligence & Adaptability
- Personal Productivity & Time Management
- Professional Networking & Social Networking Skills
- Presentation & Public Speaking Skills
Take the First Step
The future of work is already here
Artificial Intelligence is becoming an essential skill across every industry. If you are ready to build practical digital skills, learn from experienced industry professionals, and progress towards real-world work experience through the Utidia Work4Xperience Digital Apprenticeship Programme, this opportunity is for you.
Apply today and begin your journey towards a future of learning, experience, and opportunity.
What You'll Benefit
The apprenticeship provides participants with opportunities to:
- Apply newly acquired skills on real business tasks and projects.
- Build a verified professional portfolio.
- Gain structured digital work experience.
- Work alongside experienced mentors and supervisors.
- Develop workplace confidence and professional discipline.
- Strengthen employability and career readiness.
- Prepare for remote work, entrepreneurship, and global career opportunities.
This transition ensures that participants move beyond acquiring knowledge to demonstrating competence through practical experience.
Who Can Apply?
The AI Digital Skills Literacy Programme is designed for underserved young Africans who are ready to build practical digital skills and prepare for the future of work.
Applications are encouraged from:
- Students and recent graduates
- Job seekers
- Early-career professionals
- Career switchers
- Freelancers
- Entrepreneurs
- Individuals seeking to strengthen their digital and AI skills
Whether you are taking your first step into the digital economy or looking to build on your existing knowledge, this programme provides a structured pathway for growth.
Application Period
Applications for the AI Digital Skills Literacy Programme are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
The programme typically delivers three cohorts annually, with intakes commonly scheduled around:
- March
- June
- September
These dates may be adjusted to accommodate programme delivery schedules, funding availability, strategic partnerships, and operational requirements.
Applicants who are not selected for an immediate cohort may be considered for a subsequent intake without the need to wait for the next annual application cycle.
Basic Eligibility
Applicants should:
- Be committed to completing the programme.
- Have access to a smartphone or computer with reliable internet connectivity.
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn and actively participate throughout the programme.
- Meet any additional requirements published for a specific cohort or learning pathway.*
*Some specialised learning pathways may have additional eligibility requirements depending on the curriculum.
How the Selection Process Works
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Successful applicants are selected based on:
- Eligibility requirements
- Motivation and commitment
- Availability of Study Grants
- Cohort capacity
- Alignment with the objectives of the selected learning pathway
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted with further instructions for onboarding.
Applicants who are not selected for an immediate cohort may be considered for a subsequent intake without the need to wait for the next annual application cycle.
A clear pathway to your future
We don’t stop at training. We help you apply what you’ve learned.
Learn
AI Digital Skills Literacy Program
Gain practical skills in 6 – 12 weeks
Get Certified
Certificate of Completion
Showcase your achievement
Gain Experience
Utidia Work4Xperience Digital Apprenticeship
Apply your skills on real projects (US$5 fee covered by your study grant)
Move Forward
Employment, Entrepreneurship & Global Opportunities
Build a future with confidence
10,000 young Africans. US $5 Million in Study Grant
The AI Digital Skills Literacy Programme is more than a training initiative—it is a long-term investment in Africa’s human capital and digital future.
By 2035, the YouthUp Global Community Development Foundation is committed to:
- Investing US$5 million in Study Grants to remove financial barriers to quality AI-powered digital skills education.
- Providing 10,000 underserved young Africans with access to structured learning opportunities across the continent.
- Prioritising young people from underserved communities, including women and girls, persons with disabilities, displaced and conflict-affected populations, rural communities, economically disadvantaged youth, and other marginalised groups.
- Expanding delivery through strategic partnerships with governments, development agencies, foundations, educational institutions, technology companies, and corporate partners.
- Equipping participants with practical, AI-enabled skills that prepare them for employment, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.
- Creating structured pathways from learning to practical experience through the Utidia Work4Xperience Digital Apprenticeship Programme, enabling eligible graduates to build professional portfolios and gain real-world experience.
- Building a sustainable model that strengthens Africa's digital workforce while ensuring that opportunity is accessible to those who need it most.
We believe that where a young person is born, the community they come from, their gender, disability, financial circumstances, or life experiences should never determine the opportunities available to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the programme free?
Eligible participants receive a US$500 Study Grant that covers the cost of participating in the programme.
Do participants receive the US$500 directly?
No. The Study Grant is applied directly towards programme delivery, learning resources, and participant support. It is not paid as cash to participants.
Is the programme delivered online?
Yes. The programme is delivered primarily online, enabling participants from different African countries to participate.
How long does the programme last?
Each cohort typically runs between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on the selected learning pathway and programme structure.
Will I receive a certificate?
Participants who successfully complete the programme and satisfy the graduation requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion.
What happens after graduation?
Eligible graduates may transition into the Utidia Work4Xperience Digital Apprenticeship Programme, where they gain practical work experience, build a verifiable portfolio, and strengthen their employability.
The participation fee for the apprenticeship is covered through the participant’s US$500 Study Grant, making the transition from learning to practical experience more accessible.
Can I apply if I have little or no previous experience?
Yes. Many learning pathways are designed for beginners, while some specialised pathways may require prior knowledge.
If I am not selected, can I apply again?
Yes. Since applications are accepted throughout the year, unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to apply for future cohorts.
Transforming Africa's workforce requires collaboration.
The AI Digital Skills Literacy Program welcomes partnerships with governments, development agencies, foundations, corporations, universities, training institutions, technology companies, philanthropists, and individuals who share our commitment to expanding access to quality AI-powered digital skills education.
Partnership opportunities include:
- Study Grant Sponsorships
- Cohort Sponsorships
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Partnerships
- Technology & Learning Partnerships
- Facilitator & Mentor Partnerships
- Research & Knowledge Partnerships
- Strategic Funding Partnerships
Together, we can remove financial barriers and equip thousands of young Africans with the skills needed to thrive in the AI-powered economy.
“At YouthUp Global, we believe in the Youthconomics philosophy—that Africa’s greatest resource is the talent, creativity, and potential of its young people. When we invest in young Africans, we are investing in the continent’s future prosperity. The AI Digital Skills Literacy Programme reflects that belief by equipping young people with AI-powered digital skills, practical experience, and structured pathways to opportunity. I encourage you to seize this opportunity, learn with purpose, and become part of the generation shaping Africa’s future.”
Dr. Faith Nwaobia Azubuike
Founder & President
YouthUp Global Ecosystem
“At YouthUp Global, we believe in the Youthconomics philosophy—that Africa’s greatest resource is the talent, creativity, and potential of its young people. When we invest in young Africans, we are investing in the continent’s future prosperity. The AI Digital Skills Literacy Programme reflects that belief by equipping young people with AI-powered digital skills, practical experience, and structured pathways to opportunity. I encourage you to seize this opportunity, learn with purpose, and become part of the generation shaping Africa’s future.”
Ms. Sola Magaji
Executive Director
YouthUp Global Community Development Foundation
Your future shouldn’t be limited by your circumstances.
Learn AI. Build Digital Skills. Gain Practical Experience. Unlock Global Opportunities.
*Applications are open all year round