Safaricom Ethiopia has officially launched TechStart, a groundbreaking nationwide programme aimed at training 125,000 young Ethiopians in cloud technology skills over the next three years. Supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Vodacom, the initiative is designed to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital economy while positioning the country as a key player in Africa’s broader technology revolution. This milestone marks a significant commitment to both connectivity and capability, bridging the gap between digital access and digital empowerment.
The programme is powered by partnerships with the AWS Skills Centre and AWS Educate, ensuring world-class training and exposure to global digital standards. By targeting Ethiopians aged 18 and above with an active Safaricom SIM card, the initiative ensures inclusivity and broad participation across the country. To further incentivize excellence, the Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation will sponsor certification fees for learners who successfully complete their training with distinction, empowering the next generation of digital professionals.
Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of Safaricom Ethiopia, emphasized that TechStart is not only about introducing cutting-edge technology but also about preparing young people for the jobs of the future. He highlighted the importance of equipping Ethiopia’s youth with skills that enable innovation, competitiveness, and inclusivity, creating long-term impact for both individuals and the national economy. This effort is in line with Ethiopia’s vision of building a resilient, tech-enabled society capable of competing globally.
TechStart is also part of a wider continental strategy under Vodacom Group, which aims to upskill one million young Africans across eight countries by 2027 in collaboration with global technology leaders such as AWS, Microsoft, and Skillsoft. In countries like South Africa, Tanzania, and Egypt, similar programmes have already transformed access to training in cloud computing, AI, and machine learning, proving the success and scalability of the model. Ethiopia now joins this movement, with Safaricom leading the charge.
With the International Finance Corporation estimating that over 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills by 2030, the urgency of this programme cannot be overstated. Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, noted that “digital is the new currency” and emphasized Africa’s need to avoid being left behind. Initiatives like TechStart provide a clear pathway for young Africans to thrive in the digital economy, ensuring the continent is well-positioned to harness the opportunities of tomorrow.
