Edutech platform TechCrush says it has successfully trained over 17,000 young Africans in digital and technology skills, aiming to tackle the continent’s growing youth population and widening digital skills gap.
In a statement made available on Monday, the platform highlighted that Africa has more than 60 per cent of its population under 25, with over 12 million young people entering the labour market annually a trend experts warn could become a crisis without access to relevant, employable skills. According to UNESCO-linked studies, about 75 per cent of youths in Sub-Saharan Africa graduate without foundational digital competencies, while only 10 to 15 per cent have access to structured, industry-aligned digital education.
Speaking on the initiative, TechCrush founder and CEO Joseph Ajayi said the platform was designed to move young Africans from theory to real-world impact. “Africa does not lack talent; what we lack is access to practical, industry-relevant training and mentorship,” he said. “Our goal is not just to train students, but to raise innovators who can confidently compete globally while solving African problems locally.”
Ajayi explained that TechCrush uses a project-based approach, requiring learners to work on real-life challenges and capstone projects that test technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. To date, more than 50 capstone projects have been completed, including applications that modernise transportation systems and tools that simplify tax management for freelancers.
The platform’s impact is reflected in learners’ experiences across the continent. Ghanaian participant Jennitter described the training as transformative: “For the first time, cybersecurity feels real, doable, and exciting. The practicals, clarity, and supportive community made me feel seen and capable.” In Kenya, Bill Kemboi said the programme enabled him to apply artificial intelligence to agriculture, building solutions to help farmers. Hassan Bangura from Sierra Leone noted, “What once felt impossible now feels achievable.” Nigerian learner Sayofunmi Modupe added, “My capstone project stretched me, challenged me, and made me proud of the developer I’m becoming.”
Since its launch, TechCrush has trained learners across 42 African countries, offering programmes in cybersecurity, data analytics, backend development, UI/UX design, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, virtual assistance, and other technology-driven fields.
The initiative highlights how practical digital education can equip young Africans with skills that not only improve employability but also foster innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
