The Power Learn Project (PLP), a Pan-African social impact organisation, recently marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 7,859 students as part of its #1MillionDevs4Africa initiative. This event, which took place in Nairobi, is part of a broader effort that has now seen a total of 14,123 graduates from the programme across the continent. The graduation ceremony concluded a year-long series of events that began in Nigeria on 22nd November 2024, where over 2,000 learners completed their training.
With Kenya experiencing a surge in demand for digital skills, sectors such as technology, e-commerce, fintech, and creative industries are burgeoning, thus creating ample opportunities for skilled professionals. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the transition from educational settings to actual employment. In response to these challenges, the PLP has launched the PLP Talent Hub, which aims to connect graduates with job opportunities, freelance projects, and resources that assist in venture building.
Mumbi Ndungu, the Executive Director of PLP, spoke at the graduation ceremony and asserted, “The Talent Hub represents a significant leap forward in our mission, serving as a bridge between learning and meaningful opportunities." She emphasized the platform's role in empowering graduates to secure dignified employment, whether in formal roles, freelance opportunities, or entrepreneurial projects. Ndungu also reinforced the organisation's dedication to inclusivity and economic empowerment for young Africans, particularly within marginalized and underserved communities.
The PLP's initiatives extend into areas often overlooked by traditional educational systems. For instance, the Kilifi County Model has successfully trained 350 learners while employing 50 graduates to digitise local government operations. This programme illustrates the tangible benefits that digital skills can have on local economies. Anticipation builds as a second cohort for the Kilifi initiative is planned for launch in 2025, broadening the scope of this transformative project.
The graduation event was attended by various leaders from the tech and education sectors, showcasing the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing digital skills among the youth. Notable attendees included Mary Kerema, Secretary of ICT, E-Government, and Digital Economy in the Ministry of IC&DE; Fawzia Ali Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business at Safaricom PLC; and Phyllis Migwi, Country General Manager for Microsoft Kenya, alongside representatives from various partnerships spanning KEPSA, Oracle, Equity Bank, and local government.
These collaborations underline the critical role that partnership plays in fostering inclusive economic growth and preparing Kenya's youth for the emerging opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving digital economy. As PLP continues to innovate through initiatives like the Talent Hub and the Kilifi County project, it remains focused on equipping young Africans with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Source: Noah Wire Services