African Union and ImpactHER Launch Free Digital Skills Programme for Women and Young Africans

The African Union’s International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) has partnered with ImpactHER to launch the fourth edition of a fully funded online training programme aimed at helping Africans develop digital skills, strengthen businesses and improve their financial knowledge.

The programme, launched in July 2026 under the theme #AfricaEducatesHer – Digital Skills for All, is open to young Africans, entrepreneurs, educators and aspiring business leaders across the continent. Both women and men are eligible to participate.

The initiative is designed to address barriers to digital education and economic participation, particularly those affecting women and girls. Through online learning, participants can access training regardless of their country of residence, without paying tuition fees.

The curriculum focuses on four key areas: digital skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and gender equality in education. The training is intended to equip participants with practical knowledge they can apply to their careers, businesses and communities.

For entrepreneurs, the programme offers an opportunity to strengthen business capabilities. For young people and educators, it provides a pathway to build relevant skills and improve their readiness for opportunities in an increasingly digital economy.

The partnership builds on previous editions of the training initiative, which seeks to narrow the digital gender gap while expanding access to learning and professional development across Africa.

Applications for the 2026 edition closed on July 31, with training scheduled to begin on August 31.

Through the initiative, AU CIEFFA and ImpactHER are continuing their efforts to make digital education more accessible and support women’s and young people’s participation in Africa’s economic development.

Source: African Union CIEFFA