Foundation, tech firm partner to boost AI skills devt

A new partnership between the Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation and the technology company Decision Spaak aims to significantly expand access to artificial intelligence education across Africa, with an ambitious goal of training 10 million individuals in AI and digital skills. The collaboration, launched in Lagos, seeks to provide students and young people with practical knowledge in AI, analytics, and innovation, preparing them for the burgeoning digital economy.

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We are on a mission to train 10 million Africans on AI.

Philip Adekambi, President and CEO of Decision Spaak, stated that this initiative aligns with the company's mission to democratize AI knowledge throughout the continent. "We are on a mission to train 10 million Africans on AI," Adekambi said, detailing that the company utilizes partnerships with educational platforms, universities, and professional communities to deliver training.

This partnership marks Decision Spaak's first major foray into secondary schools, broadening its AI education efforts beyond professionals, university students, and working adults. "AI is not just for graduates or working professionals. It can also be for students in secondary schools who can begin to understand the technology early and apply it throughout their lives," Adekambi explained. The company has already reached over 500,000 people through various media and training initiatives across Nigeria and other African nations. Furthermore, Decision Spaak has established a $50 million scholarship program to assist individuals who may struggle to afford specialized training in areas like business analytics and artificial intelligence.

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AI is not just for graduates or working professionals. It can also be for students in secondary schools who can begin to understand the technology early and apply it throughout their lives.

Gbenga Agboola, Board Member and Director of the Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation, highlighted the foundation's nearly two decades of supporting vulnerable children and youth through scholarships, mentorship, and empowerment programs. He views artificial intelligence as a transformative technology capable of bridging knowledge gaps and accelerating development, especially in underserved communities. "AI has changed the game. It allows us to bring technology closer to our communities and use it to spark development and creativity," Agboola remarked, emphasizing how the partnership will bolster the foundation's focus on digital literacy, STEM education, and youth development.

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AI has changed the game. It allows us to bring technology closer to our communities and use it to spark development and creativity.