AI access and training initiatives expand across Africa

Educational and technological initiatives are expanding AI access across Africa. In Ghana, the University of Cape Coast has launched the ‘Women Leading Change in Africa’ program. This initiative aims to train 1,000 women in higher education in artificial intelligence by November 2027 to address digital skills gaps and structural barriers in academic leadership. Supported by UNESCO-affiliated institutes, the program offers over 57 free, self-paced micro-credential courses.

Simultaneously, Google has expanded its AI offerings for students, increasing the number of participating African countries from six to 27. Eligible university and college students can now access a free one-year subscription to Google AI Plus, which includes Gemini tools, higher usage limits, and 400GB of cloud storage. The expansion brings new access to Francophone West African markets, though North African nations and Ethiopia are notably excluded from the current program.