Andrew Bourne, Regional Head, Africa, Zoho.

Zoho, a global technology company, has broadened the scope of its tech upskilling initiatives across Africa.

Yesterday, on the sidelines of its annual user conference, Zoholics South Africa, the company, announced numerous programs and partnerships in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

In South Africa, the company said its projects reflect its commitment to the country's future economic prosperity through widespread technological upskilling initiatives.

According to Zoho, these include strategic relationships with BabesGotByte and CodeTelligence.

The company said the partnership with BabesGotBytes aims to equip girls and women with digital skills through a one-year boot program.

“This initiative is designed to bridge the skills gap and increase female representation in the tech sector. Skills training include modules on digital literacy, website and mobile app development, UI/UX design, SQL, and more,” said the company.

Similarly, Zoho's relationship with non-profit firm CodeTelligence aims to provide IT skills to economically disadvantaged youths, thereby increasing their employability.

Zoho said that as part of this program, it will finance a 6-month boot camp for 36 young people.

The boot camp will train students in end-user computing, UI/UX designing, office administration, data science, and other topics.

"We find synergy with the mission of both BabesGotBytes and CodeTelligence in serving the underserved, and providing educational opportunities to the talented youth of South Africa," said Andrew Bourne, regional head, Zoho Africa.

 "Through upskilling initiatives such as these, technology can become a true driver of equality and opportunity. It can open doors for those who previously lacked access, effectively levelling the playing field."

Outside of South Africa, Zoho announced a number of additional upskilling collaborations across Africa.

In Kenya, the firm partnered with MOMO Pencils, a Nairobi-based manufacturer of eco-friendly stationery, on the "Hope for Literacy" program, which aims to eliminate intergenerational poverty, according to Zoho.

Additionally, it stated: "The program aims to provide access to quality education for children from underserved communities, and spread awareness at schools about the importance of environmental sustainability and eco-conscious community development."

Zoho also announced a partnership with J-Hub Africa, a digital innovation hub at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

The company said it will train technology students on how to use its cloud-based business software.

“This upskilling initiative aims to equip students with essential technology skills, preparing them for the workforce across various industries,” said Zoho.

In Nigeria, Zoho recently partnered with She Code Africa(SCA), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering and upskilling African women in technology.

Zoho will provide mentor the Trainer workshops for SCA Academy trainers, who afterwards will teach more SCA students on how to build low-code applications.