Togo wants to train 50,000 students in digital skills every year 🇹🇬👩🏾‍🎓

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A quiet revolution is underway at the University of Lomé. Since June 2025, Togo has launched a nationwide, free, and fully online training program aimed at preparing its youth for the global digital economy. Backed by the country’s ministries of Digital Economy and Higher Education, and developed in partnership with U.S.-based startup Kira Learning, the initiative aims to equip 50,000 students each year with the basics of coding, artificial intelligence, and tech-oriented English.

Python, AI, English: the digital starter pack 💻

In a world where lines of code often matter more than lines on a résumé, Togo is moving early. The program is built around three core pillars: Python programming, introductory AI concepts, and English for tech environments. It’s open to all students, regardless of their academic background.

In just three months, even a philosophy major could be ready for entry-level tech roles like AI data annotator, digital assistant, or support technician.

The online platform offers interactive video lessons, hands-on exercises, and personalized support via an AI tutor—a flexible model designed with African students in mind, many of whom juggle packed schedules and limited resources. The pilot phase in Lomé enrolled 1,500 students, with plans to reach 15,000 by the end of 2025, before scaling up to 50,000 per year.

Global opportunities within reach 🌐

Graduates will receive a joint certificate from Togolese universities and Kira Learning. Top performers will also have a chance to earn an international certification from DeepLearning.AI, one of the most recognized names in the AI education space. It’s a move that could significantly boost the global employability of young Togolese talent.

This program is part of Togo’s broader national digital transformation strategy, which aims to position the country as a tech hub in West Africa.

For Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy:

“Knowing how to code, understanding the basics of AI, and speaking tech English are no longer optional—they’re essential skills.”

That sentiment is echoed by Andrea Pasinetti, CEO of Kira Learning, who called the partnership “visionary.”

By betting on mass digital education, Togo is paving the way for a future where any student—no matter their field—can be part of Africa’s tech revolution.