By: Chané Fraser

In an ever-evolving digital world,  there is an organization trying to take charge, to equip underprivileged communities with the skills they need to thrive in the tech-driven economy. Digital Skills Africa (DSA), a non-profit digital skills provider, is tackling key skill shortages in vital areas like cybersecurity, networking, and software development, and is making a meaningful impact across Africa.

Through strategic partnerships with global tech giants such as Microsoft, Cisco, and AWS, DSA is providing world-class training and globally recognized certifications to local communities at no cost. Jezeiyn Naidoo, the head of operations and partnerships at DSA, emphasizes that these efforts level the playing field: “A student studying cybersecurity in a rural South African village can have the same access to training and certifications as someone in the USA or any other developed country.”

This approach is especially crucial for reskilling and upskilling the youth, as new job opportunities in emerging tech fields continue to reshape the global workforce. By maintaining close relationships with industry leaders and technology companies, DSA ensures that its training programs align with the needs of the job market.

Understanding the Skills Gap

Jezeiyn’s work at DSA has helped identify two key profiles within marginalized communities: the graduate with tertiary education but no job opportunities, and the unemployed youth with limited financial resources to pursue further education. To address these challenges, DSA has built its program around five critical pillars:

1. Access to Infrastructure: Many communities struggle with a lack of basic infrastructure. DSA addresses this by investing in technology labs equipped with PCs, internet access, and collaboration tools to provide a solid foundation for learning.

2. Industry Certifications and Skills Development: Collaborating with companies like Cisco and Microsoft, DSA offers up-to-date, industry-recognized certifications at no cost. The goal is to take individuals with no prior experience or qualifications and guide them from basic to advanced levels of skills.

3. Connecting Skills to Jobs: DSA is committed to finding employment opportunities for its graduates, forging partnerships with companies that are actively looking for skilled workers.

4. Professional Image: DSA also assists students with resume writing and LinkedIn profile development to enhance their chances of landing a job in the competitive tech market.

5. Mentorship: By connecting students with industry leaders and experts, DSA ensures that its participants receive valuable career advice and exposure to real-world opportunities.

Finding Talent in Unlikely Places

One of the most powerful aspects of DSA’s approach is its ability to discover untapped potential in unexpected places. Jezeiyn recalls a story about a young man from a remote area in South Africa who, with just a basic laptop and internet access, studied cybersecurity. Despite starting from a shack with no formal education, he scored consistently high marks, earned multiple certifications, and became a resource for his community, proving that with the right tools and guidance, anyone can succeed.

DSA also operates in Ghana, where its academies are helping bridge the digital skills gap in villages. In some areas, people have never seen a computer before. But what stands out is their overwhelming curiosity and determination to learn. Jezeiyn shares the story of a Ghanaian team member who, despite starting with no formal training, taught himself cybersecurity and now develops applications to help secure small businesses. His journey underscores the power of curiosity and the transformative impact of digital skills training.

The Community Effect

In many marginalized communities, the spirit of collective learning is strong. Jezeiyn observes that when individuals in these areas are empowered with digital skills, they share their knowledge with others, creating a culture of collaboration and mutual support. This sense of community is key to DSA’s success—it’s not just about individual achievement, but about uplifting others along the way.

By staying connected to the ground and understanding the unique challenges each community faces, DSA has been able to tailor its approach to meet the needs of those it serves. With mentorship programs, access to learnerships, and specialized certifications, DSA is ensuring that people with the right skills, even if they lack formal education, are prepared to enter the workforce.

A Bright Future Ahead

With digital skills now more important than ever, initiatives like Digital Skills Africa are crucial in narrowing the skills gap and preparing the next generation for success. Through a combination of access to training, infrastructure, and mentorship, DSA is helping people unlock their potential, regardless of where they come from.

The work being done in South Africa and Ghana is just the beginning. As DSA continues to expand its reach and build stronger partnerships with tech companies and local industries, it’s clear that the future is bright for those who are determined to learn and grow in the digital age.

⁎ Reference Article Link:  https://cio-sa.co.za/articles/digital-skills-africa-is-empowering-african-youth-with-critical-digital-skills/