Equity Group Foundation (EGF) has partnered with iamtheCODE, the world’s first African-led global movement advancing STEAMD education to accelerate digital inclusion across Africa.
This strategic collaboration aims to empower 600,000 learners across the continent with essential digital and technical skills, positioning Africa’s youth to thrive in the global digital economy.
A Pan-African Digital Academy for Inclusive Learning
At the heart of this partnership is the launch of a comprehensive Digital Academy, offering over 65,000 free online courses through the iamtheCODE platform. The curriculum blends STEAMD learning with leadership development, mentorship, and open-source certification programs. Designed for inclusive access, the initiative prioritises women, girls, youth, and refugees, ensuring that no learner is left behind.
The program will provide learners with hands-on training in high-demand fields such as AI, coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, and Excel specialisation, while also nurturing essential life skills like collaboration, empathy, and teamwork, preparing participants for the modern workplace.
Building on Equity’s Proven Education Legacy
EGF’s track record in education is well-established. Through programs like Wings to Fly and the Equity Leadership Program, the foundation has supported over 60,000 students through secondary education and 29,515 through public universities.
This new collaboration expands that impact, targeting vulnerable populations and empowering them with the skills needed to achieve economic independence.
Voices of Leadership: A Call to Action
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Dr James Mwangi, Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation, emphasised the urgency of preparing Africa’s youth for a rapidly evolving job market.
“Employability is increasingly difficult without the right skills. Africa will leapfrog through technology, positioning itself ahead in innovation and transformation.”
He added:
“IamtheCODE is providing access to 600,000 licenses, meaning we can reach young people with technical skills that allow them to live in Africa but work for the world. This is not just about training—it’s about creating opportunity.”
Global Reach, Local Impact
Operating in 89 countries, iamtheCODE is one of the most scalable platforms for digital skills development. With a mission to reskill 1 million female learners globally by 2030, the program offers technical training, mentorship, and access to global networks that guide learners’ professional growth.
Lady Mariéme Jamme, founder and CEO of iamtheCODE, spoke passionately about the transformative power of skills:
“We are in emergency mode in Africa. These young people, along with the communities and refugees Equity is serving, are waiting for the opportunity to gain essential skills. This partnership represents the spirit of collaboration Africa needs.”
“When people have dignity, they gain skills. And with those skills, they achieve freedom. The iamtheCODE platform can train thousands of data clerks, cybersecurity professionals, and digital specialists; restoring dignity and unlocking opportunity.”
Beyond Training: Financing, Mentorship, and Market Access
Equity Group will support learners beyond the classroom by:
- Offering loans for digital tools like laptops
- Providing internships and startup capital
- Connecting graduates to its 23 million customers, helping small businesses digitise and scale
This holistic approach ensures that learners not only gain skills but also access the tools, networks, and capital needed to apply them meaningfully.
Measuring Impact and Driving Accountability
The program will use evidence-based tracking to measure success, monitoring the number of coders, project managers, and cybersecurity experts trained. This ensures transparency and showcases the tangible impact of the initiative.
Aligned with Continental and Global Goals
This partnership supports key development frameworks, including Kenya Vision 2030, African Union Agenda 2063, and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Quality Education, Gender Equality, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
It also aligns with Equity’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), which aims to drive inclusive growth across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, DRC, and Ethiopia.
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