Safaricom Ethiopia has unveiled TechStart, an ambitious nationwide programme to train 125 000 young Ethiopians in digital and cloud technology skills over the next three years to fast-track the country’s digital economy.
With support from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Vodacom, the nationwide digital skills drive has been hailed as a game-changer for Ethiopia’s digital transformation and Africa’s promising wider tech revolution.
Safaricom Ethiopia CEO Wim Vanhelleputte, revealed that the partnership with the AWS Skills Centre and AWS Educate, aims to prepare Ethiopia’s youth for the jobs of the future, while also supporting the country’s shift toward a tech-enabled economy.
“As we bring world-class technology to Ethiopia, Safaricom Ethiopia TechStart demonstrates our commitment to not just connectivity, but capability. By upskilling our youth today, we are building a more inclusive, innovative, and competitive Ethiopia for tomorrow,” he said.
Participation in this digital future launchpad is open to Ethiopians aged 18 and above with an active Safaricom SIM, ensuring widespread access to digital training. To further encourage excellence, the Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation will sponsor certification fees for top-performing learners who complete their courses with distinction.
The groundbreaking programme now open for registration is part of Vodacom Group’s continental mission to upskill one million young people across eight African countries by 2027, working with global technology leaders including AWS, Microsoft, and Skillsoft.
In South Africa, Tanzania, and Egypt, Vodacom’s Digital Skills Hub is already helping thousands of young Africans access training in cloud computing, AI, and machine learning.
Launched in 2024 with a mission to achieve its goal in just three years, Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, said the telecoms giant’s initiative, such as the latest partnership with Safaricom, is a testament to its commitment to pioneering the path to a digital and more inclusive Africa.
“Digital is the new currency, and Africa cannot afford to be left behind. With partners like AWS and Safaricom Ethiopia, we are building pathways for young Africans to thrive in the digital economy,” he stated when Vodacom unveiled its 1 million upskilling programme.
According to the International Finance Corporation, the timing is critical given that over 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills by 2030, yet the continent is still far from reaching that target.
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