Binance, a blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider has partnered with AltSchool Africa to provide full-tuition scholarships to 500 young Africans.
This scholarship initiative which Kicks off in January 2025 to 31 December, is aimed at addressing the digital skills gap in Africa by offering access to specialised education in fields such as software engineering, cybersecurity, sales, and content creation, empowering learners with skills that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
“Through this partnership with AltSchool Africa, we are excited to provide opportunities that will help shape the future of many young students across the continent,” said Samantha Fuller, Spokeswoman for Binance. “Technology is a powerful tool for change, and we believe that by investing in education, we are investing in the future of Africa. Our goal is to empower students to become innovators and leaders in the tech space.”
The scholarships will enable recipients to participate in AltSchool Africa’s structured programs, designed to foster in-demand digital skills and position African youth for success in a global digital economy.
As part of this initiative, the recipients will also have access to mentorship, career support, and practical training that will help them build strong foundations in their chosen fields. .
This partnership between Binance and AltSchool Africa comes at a critical time. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) by 2030, 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills, yet only 2% of the workforce currently possesses them.
According to a report by the World Bank, only 50 percent of countries in Africa have ‘computer’ skills as part of their school curriculum, compared to 85 percent of countries globally. The companies surveyed revealed a high demand for digital skills—and a skills shortage. Nearly 65 percent of the job vacancies that employers were trying to fill required at least basic digital skills.
By offering these scholarships, Binance and AltSchool Africa aim to close this gap and equip young Africans with the expertise needed for the future digital economy .
Binance’s scholarship initiative forms part of its broader commitment to supporting educational programs across Africa, helping young people gain the skills necessary to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
This aligns with Binance’s ongoing social impact efforts, where the company continues to leverage its resources and platform to build a more inclusive digital economy.
“With this partnership, we are able to reach more young Africans passionate about building a career in the digital economy, offering them a variety of our diploma programs and short courses,” said Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Global Operations, AltSchool Africa. ”We laud Binance for this incredible initiative which will positively impact the lives of hundreds of Africans across the continent.”
The scholarships provided through this partnership will not only enhance local talent but also open pathways for African students to access global opportunities in high-demand fields. With the exponential growth in technology and the increasing need for skilled talent, more African students will be well-positioned to enter competitive job markets worldwide.
AltSchool Africa is a digital-based learning platform founded in 2021 by Adewale Yusuf, Akintunde Sultan, and Opeyemi Awoyemi to develop digital skills across Africa.
In 2022, AltSchool Africa raised $1 million in pre-seed funding, In March 2022, Unity Bank partnered with AltSchool Africa to train female software engineers.
As of September 2023, it announced it had 20000 students from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom were enrolled on the platform.
