Cell C has again partnered with GirlCode to train and certify 500 unemployed South African youth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, strengthening access to future‑ready digital skills and improving pathways into the technology sector.
The initiative is supported by certification exam vouchers from the Microsoft Elevate AI Certification initiative, removing financial barriers to professional accreditation and enabling participants to earn globally recognised credentials aligned to international industry standards.
Launching during International Women’s Month, the partnership places youth development, gender inclusion and digital capability‑building at the centre of future workforce readiness. It responds directly to South Africa’s dual challenge of persistently high youth unemployment and a growing shortage of advanced digital skills required for economic competitiveness.
For young woman aged 15–24, unemployment rates remain above 60% in recent quarters, even as demand for AI and cloud skills continues to rise across industries. The GirlCode–Cell C partnership addresses this mismatch by combining structured learning with certification pathways that serve as tangible gateways into technology‑enabled careers.
“As a country, we face a stark mismatch between the jobs the economy needs and the skills available,” said Zandile Mkwanazi, Chief Executive Officer of GirlCode. “This initiative is a deliberate investment in the talent that will define South Africa’s digital economy, equipping young people with practical, globally relevant skills that unlock opportunity.”
The programme focuses on both technical depth and career readiness. Participants will complete structured learning in AI concepts and cloud fundamentals aligned to industry expectations, before sitting certification exams that enhance employability in both local and international labour markets.
In addition to addressing youth unemployment, the initiative contributes to improving gender representation in technology. Women remain under‑represented in STEM fields in South Africa, accounting for approximately 13% of STEM graduates, compared with a global average of around 35%.
“Accelerating participation in AI and cloud careers is critical to inclusive growth,” said Mkwanazi. “GirlCode is focused on expanding digital literacy and opening sustainable pathways to employment through targeted skills development and certification‑linked programmes.”
Cell C says the partnership reflects a broader commitment to digital inclusion that goes beyond connectivity.
Lethiwe Hlatshwayo, Managing Executive: Corporate Affairs at Cell C, said:
“Digital inclusion is one of the most powerful enablers of economic participation. Our partnership with GirlCode is about building real pathways to opportunity by equipping young South Africans with future‑ready AI and cloud skills.
“Digital inclusion is one of the most powerful enablers of economic participation. Our partnership with GirlCode is about building real pathways to opportunity by equipping young South Africans with future‑ready AI and cloud skills.
By supporting the training and certification of 500 young people, we are removing barriers to entry and helping to build a more inclusive, skilled workforce that can participate meaningfully in a rapidly evolving digital economy. This collaboration reflects Cell C’s commitment to partnerships for impact and ensuring that nothing stops talent from reaching its potential.”
Training cohorts will begin in April 2026, with outcomes tracked against certification attainment and early employment indicators. The programme also includes mentorship and employer engagement sessions to support transition into the technology ecosystem.
