Equity Group Foundation (EGF) has announced a transformative partnership with iamtheCODE, the world’s first African-led global STEAMD movement, to empower 600,000 young people across Africa with essential digital and artificial intelligence skills. This landmark collaboration aims to close the digital divide by offering free access to high-quality learning resources and certifications, equipping Africa’s youth with the technical and soft skills needed to thrive in the global digital economy.
Through the initiative, a comprehensive “Digital Academy” will be launched, featuring over 65,000 free online upskilling and certification resources. The program will be inclusive by design—ensuring access for women, girls, and youth from underserved and refugee communities who are often left out of traditional training opportunities. Combining a STEAMD (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Design) curriculum with leadership workshops, mentorship, and open-source courses, the initiative builds on EGF’s established education and leadership programs such as Wings to Fly and the Equity Leadership Program, which have already transformed the lives of thousands of young scholars.
Dr. James Mwangi, Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation, emphasized that the partnership responds to the urgent need to bridge the widening gap between formal education and the rapidly evolving demands of the job market. He noted that employability is increasingly dependent on digital competencies such as coding, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. Highlighting Africa’s advantage of a “digital native” youth population, Dr. Mwangi added that with the right training, young Africans can work remotely for the global market while living on the continent, helping to position Africa as a hub of digital talent.
Lady Mariéme Jamme, Founder and CEO of iamtheCODE, described the partnership as a critical response to Africa’s “skills emergency.” She emphasized the urgency of equipping Africa’s people with relevant skills to restore dignity, drive inclusion, and foster independence. “This partnership with Equity Group represents the spirit of collaboration Africa needs,” she said, reaffirming iamtheCODE’s mission to enable every young person, particularly women and girls, to unlock their potential through education and technology.
Beyond technical training, the partnership will provide participants with essential life and soft skills such as collaboration, empathy, and teamwork. Equity Group will also support learners through loans to purchase digital tools, internship opportunities, and startup financing for young entrepreneurs. By linking graduates to Equity’s network of 23 million customers, the initiative will help digitize small businesses and stimulate wider economic growth. This partnership stands as a model for how strategic collaboration can create lasting impact—empowering Africa’s youth to become the next generation of digital leaders and innovators.
