Google trains over 500,000 with Digital Skills since April 2016

Google trains over 500,000 with Digital Skills since April 2016

Google has today reported that over 500,000 people in Africa have, so far, received digital skills trainings under its Digital Skills For Africa Program.

The announcement, which was made alongside the launch of its new online training portal for Africa (www.digitalskills.withgoogle.com) – means that the Digital Skills training program has now hit the 50% completion mark, and is well on the way to meet its goal of training 1 million young Africans in its first year.

Commenting on the newly launched portal, Google Kenya Country manager, Charles Murito pointed out that though 500,000 people have acquired digital skills since trainings rolled-out in April, there are people across the continent who are unable to attend face-to-face training sessions and have opted to take the offline course from their phone or computer.

“The online portal will make it possible for more Kenyans and Africans to take advantage of the free digital skills training program. It contains 89 online courses on a wide range of digital subjects including online analytics, social media marketing and online advertising, is available in English with French and Portuguese being launched today,” Mr. Murito stated.

The Internet continues to be a key engine of growth for business in Africa and globally, with estimates putting its total contribution at $300 billion within the coming decade. Although Africa’s online population, which currently seats at 340 million, is estimated to have grown by a rate of over 7,000% since the year 2000, the continent is yet to enjoy a corresponding increase in the size of its Web economy.

In April 2016, Google announced its commitment to train 1 million young people in Africa on digital skills with the aim of helping more Africans access and create web-based jobs, and contribute to the growth of Africa’s digital economy.

“We are excited that over 500,000 people in Africa have acquired digital skills training through our program and we’re grateful to every organisation that has partnered with us to make it happen. But we’re only half way towards our goal. As we mentioned at the commencement of this program, we want everyone in Africa to get trained in digital skills and, through this new online portal, more people will now be able to gain skills and knowledge that will help them build and grow businesses, and find and create new jobs” Mr. Murito added.