TechNovelle, in collaboration with global learning platform DataCamp, has launched a new initiative aimed at closing the growing artificial intelligence (AI) and data skills gap across Africa—particularly within underserved communities in Nigeria and other parts of the continent.
The programme, spearheaded by cybersecurity strategist and AI product expert Rianat Abbas, is designed to train at least 100 individuals in data science, machine learning, and responsible AI development. The initiative targets participants from low-access regions in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and beyond.
Abbas, who co-founded TechNovelle and also leads secure-by-design product development at the African Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI-4AI), described the partnership as a strategic investment in Africa’s digital future. She noted that decisions in emerging technology must be made with inclusion and equity at the core—especially in data-driven systems that shape everything from policy to economic opportunity.
“Africa doesn’t have a talent deficit—it has a scaffolding deficit,” Abbas said. “When people are given the right tools, networks, and trust, they thrive. We’re not just training people to use AI. We’re empowering them to question, build, and govern these technologies. Because real equity demands readiness—not just presence.”
Citing a 2023 UNESCO report, Abbas highlighted that less than one percent of global AI talent is currently based in Africa, despite the continent’s rapidly growing youth population. The skills gap, she warned, could have long-term consequences if not addressed through intentional and inclusive programming.
Through this partnership, learners will gain access to premium DataCamp courses covering AI ethics, data analysis, Python programming, and predictive modeling. They will also receive mentorship from TechNovelle’s pan-African network of AI and cybersecurity professionals.
Beyond the training itself, the initiative includes a continent-wide rollout plan featuring micro-scholarships, portfolio-based certifications, and the development of community AI labs. These labs will serve as collaborative spaces where learners can document both the technical solutions they develop and the critical questions they ask.
Abbas emphasized that the goal is not only to build technical capacity but to foster leadership and innovation from within Africa’s own communities.
“We cannot build secure, trustworthy AI systems without investing in the people who will design and maintain them,” she said. “At TechNovelle, we believe that access to high-quality, context-aware education is the foundation of responsible innovation. This partnership is about equipping Africa’s emerging tech leaders with the mindset, tools, and confidence to shape global conversations in AI and cybersecurity.”
