The launch is the centerpiece of a broader set of Africa-focused AI initiatives announced today to accelerate innovation and close the continent’s critical skills gap.

The announcements come as Africa stands at a pivotal moment. The continent, home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, shows immense potential for AI-driven economic growth.

However, new research highlights a significant challenge: while optimism for AI is exceptionally high, reaching 95% in Nigeria and 76% in South Africa, 55% of firms across the continent report needing AI talent more than financing. Closing this skills gap is key to unlocking Africa’s opportunity.

“Africa’s AI moment is now, and Google is committed to being a partner for the long haul,” said Doron Avni, Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy. “The AI Skilling Blueprint provides a clear roadmap for governments to build the workforce of the future. By also investing in AI-ready data and expert local organisations and partners, we are helping build the interconnected ecosystem needed for a prosperous, AI-driven future for the continent.”

A Policy Roadmap to Build an AI-Ready Workforce 

The Google AI Skilling Blueprint for Africa provides governments with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to formulate national skilling strategies.

This blueprint focuses on developing three critical cohorts: AI Learners, who will gain foundational AI literacy; AI Implementers, professionals upskilled to integrate AI tools into their work; and AI Innovators, deep technical experts dedicated to building the next generation of AI solutions.

New Commitments to Data Infrastructure and Skilling Organisations 

As part of its broader initiatives, Google also announced $2.25 million to support projects building trustworthy public data sets for AI by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and PARIS21.

This contribution will help national statistical offices modernize their infrastructure and empower decision-makers with the reliable data they need to address challenges from food security to economic growth.

“For Africa to drive sustainable development, evidence-based policymaking is indispensable. This requires accessible, reliable, and AI-ready data,” said Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. “This effort is a crucial step forward. By building a Regional Data Commons, we can empower African institutions with the data and tools they need to make strategic choices that will drive growth and prosperity.”

Finally, building on its $7.5 million Google.org Skilling Fund commitment, Google announced the first set of expert social impact organizations who will receive funding to execute on projects consistent with its skilling mission, including: FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which will embed advanced AI curricula into universities; and JA Africa and CyberSafe Foundation, which will advance crucial work in online safety and digital literacy.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the African Institute of Management Sciences on the Advanced AI UpSkilling Project, with support from Google.org. This groundbreaking initiative is a direct response to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. This strategic support aligns perfectly with FATE Foundation’s mission to foster innovation and sustainable economic growth across the continent, ensuring Africa is fully equipped to lead in the global technological future.” – Adenike Adeyemi, executive director, FATE Foundation 

“We live in an age defined by rapid technological change and our mission at JA Africa is to ensure that African youth are not left behind. However, even as we engage our youth in more digital programs and encourage AI literacy, we are fully aware of the harmful effects of unchecked online exposure and, therefore, invest equally in protecting their data, physical safety and mental wellbeing,” said Simi Nwogugu, President & CEO, JA Africa.

“Through this support from Google.org, we will give young people the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.” 

This prestigious award, founded by T4 Education and HP, stands as Africa’s foremost recognition in the field of education.

The Africa Education Medal recognizes the tireless work of those who are transforming education across the continent – celebrating the stories of those who have lit the spark of change so others will be inspired to take up the torch.

It is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.

The winner of this year’s Africa Education Medal will be given a global platform to support their work and, in recognition of the urgent need to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis to tackle learning gaps, will be entitled to nominate a school of their choice to receive membership of T4 Education’s new Best School to Work programme – an independent, evidence-based mechanism to certify schools for their culture and help them transform their working environment to attract and retain the best teachers.

In its third year, the Africa Education Medal is the oldest of the three World Education Medals established by T4 Education and HP.

This year saw the launch of the new Asia Education Medal and Latin America Education Medal.

Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa, said:

“Winning the Africa Education Medal 2023 was a tremendous honour that has drawn significant attention to the important work we do at JA Africa, equipping young Africans across the continent for employment and financial independence. The Africa Education Medal is a prestigious recognition, shining a spotlight on education champions in Africa”.

“I am aware of the numerous changemakers on our continent pushing boundaries to shape a better future for our youth. To fellow inspirational leaders, I encourage you to step forward. Apply for the Africa Education Medal in 2024; let your stories inspire thousands more. Together, we can continue to transform lives through education and pave the way for a brighter African future”.

Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader, at HP said:

“Despite the progress made towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, significant learning gaps persist in Africa and COVID has greatly exacerbated learning poverty. But there is hope if leaders from across the continent come together, with everyone sharing their expertise to help build a continent in which every child receives a quality education”.

“HP has a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. Only by joining forces between NGOs, government, educators and businesses can we truly improve the education environment. The Africa Education Medal brings together the leaders who are making a real difference to African education, whose tireless work deserves to be celebrated”.

Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education, said:

“A good education is not only the key to unlocking the potential of Africa’s next generation, it’s a right. The Africa Education Medal honours all those who are working to make that a reality”.

“One of the most important things we can do to improve education in Nigeria and around the world is to solve the teacher recruitment and retention crisis. That’s why the winner of the Africa Education Medal 2024 will not only be given a platform to advocate for their work, but the right to nominate a school to join our Best School to Work programme, enabling schools to build a culture in which education flourishes because teachers thrive”.

The Africa Education Medal is open to individuals working to improve early childhood, K-12, vocational and university education who are one of the following:

• Educators or school leaders
• Civil society leaders
• Public servants and government officials
• Political leaders
• Entrepreneurs, business leaders and technologists

Nominees must demonstrate their contribution in any of the following key areas in education:

• Significantly improving learning outcomes
• Promoting girls’ education
• Promoting equity and broadening access to education
• Advancing pedagogical or technological innovation
• Building and strengthening educator capacity
• Catalysing civic participation in education
• Championing the rights of education stakeholders

The Nomination

The Top 10 finalists for the Africa Education Medal will be announced in August and the winner will be announced in September.

Nominees will be assessed by a Jury comprising prominent individuals based on rigorous criteria.

Nominations including self-nominations can be made online at: africaeducationmedal.org.

Nominations close on April 30, 2024.

Today, HP in collaboration with Microsoft and T4 Education, announced Simi Nwogugu, the winner of the Africa Education Medal 2023, the continent’s most prestigious education sector accolade.

Simi Nwogugu is the CEO of JA Africa, a youth-serving NGO in Nigeria.  

The Africa Education Medal was founded last year to recognise the tireless work of who are transforming African education.  

UNESCO data shows that Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of education exclusion in the world. Over one-fifth of children between the ages of 6 and 11 are out of school, with girls particularly disadvantaged.

However, tireless international efforts have seen Africa make great strides in boosting enrolment in the decades leading up to the pandemic.

By celebrating the stories of those working every day to expand upon these vital gains, the Africa Education Medal aims to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and bring lasting change in African education. 

Simini Nwogugu is based in Nigeria and heads up JA Africa, an NGO that is part of the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated JA Worldwide – one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs that prepares young people for the future of work. 

For 25 years, Nwogugu has been leading JA’s efforts in various capacities as it embarked on a mission to help young people to generate and effectively manage wealth, create jobs for their communities, as well as apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace and skills that will secure their financial future. Her passion for strategy and innovation led to the development of many impactful programmes that are ensuring young Nigerians have the skillsets and mindset to succeed. 

Nwogugu said,

“I am so honoured to receive this accolade, but it is not just about me. This award is for all the fantastic staff at JA Africa, and for all the inspirational young people they have worked with, helping pave the way to a brighter future for our continent’s young. I want to thank T4 Education, HP and Microsoft for giving these people hope that together we can make a difference.” 

The vital importance of Nwogugu’s work is highlighted by the fact that 60% of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa and about 37% of its workforce are under the age of 25.

By 2025, Africa will be home to 25% of the world’s youth population. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, her organisation empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work readiness skills, manage their earnings and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

Mayank Dhingra, HP Senior Education Business Leader for Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa, congratulated Simi on the fantastic achievement of winning the Africa Education Medal 2023.

“Her work at JA Africa is empowering the continent’s next generation to face the future with confidence. She is an inspiration to all of us at HP, where we have a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. Only by joining forces and aligning with NGOs, government, educators and businesses can we truly improve the education environment. The Africa Education Medal brings together all those who are changing the face of African education, whose vital work deserves to be celebrated”,

he added. 

Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education, commended Simi for dedicating her life’s work to upskilling Africa’s young people, equipping them with the tools to not only survive but thrive in the world they are entering. He adds: “Congratulations on winning the Africa Education Medal 2023. Your success will serve as a rallying cry for changemakers to come forward and help Africa unlock its potential.” 

Nwogugu was first introduced to JA while working at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Impressed by the organisation, she quit her lucrative job at age 24 to bring JA to Nigeria, where it now reaches more than 100,000 young people annually, before going on to head up JA’s operations across the continent.  

She is a passionate advocate for girls’ education and one of her unique initiatives includes the Leadership, Empowerment Achievement & Development (LEAD) Camp for Girls, which has inspired and empowered over 1,200 young girls to become high-achieving women leaders in society.

Another initiative she has championed is the Venture in Management Programme (ViMP), which is designed to empower young people in the different facets of managing a business, making crucial business decisions and developing skills for General Management and social responsibility.

Graduates of the programme have gone on to become founders of Nigeria’s leading businesses as well as leaders of the most impactful non-profit organisations on the continent.

She also built digital an out-of-school youth programmes that enabled her organisation to reach underserved populations in the North of Nigeria, even during the Boko Haram crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Before becoming JA Africa CEO in 2020, she led JA Nigeria to impact the lives of over 1 million Nigerians in 5,000 schools.

Among the many JA alumni who have gone on to become job creators and social entrepreneurs is Iyin Aboyeji, the founder of two unicorns: Andela and Flutterwave. 

Nwogugu also serves as President of the governing board of the Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Nigeria (HBSAN) and has been recognised by the school with numerous awards including the Bert King Award for Social Impact presented by the Harvard Business School African American Alumni Association.

She is currently a fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Africa Leadership Initiative for West Africa (ALIWA) where she is pursuing her passion to empower and equip 10 million African girls to build thriving communities by 2050.  

Simi Nwogugu was chosen from the Top 10 finalists for the Africa Education Medal:  

• Mary Ashun, Principal of Ghana International School, Ghana 
• Laura Kakon, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer of Honoris United Universities, Morocco 
• Rogers Kamugisha, Country Director of Educate!, Rwanda 
• Grace Matlhape, CEO of SmartStart, South Africa 
• Mary Metcalfe, former policymaker and CEO of Programme to Improve Learning Outcomes (PILO), South Africa 
• Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director of FAWE, Uganda 
• Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, Executive Director of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, Rwanda 
• Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa, Nigeria 
• Sara Ruto, Former Chief Administrative Secretary of Kenya’s Ministry of Education and former CEO of PAL Network, Kenya 
• Snehar Shah, CEO of Moringa School, Kenya 

Nominations for the Africa Education Medal opened in February 2023 for individuals working to improve pre-kindergarten, K-12, vocational and university education who are either educators, school administrators, civil society leaders, public servants, government officials, political leaders, technologists, or innovators. 

The winner was chosen by a Jury comprising prominent individuals based on rigorous criteria.  

Founded last year by T4 Education and HP in collaboration with Microsoft, the Africa Education Medal is Africa’s most prestigious education accolade. 

The Africa Education Medal was established to recognise the tireless work of those who are transforming education across the continent – to celebrate the stories of those who have lit the spark of change so others will be inspired to take up the torch. It is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education. 

Simi Nwogugu is CEO of JA Africa, part of the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs that prepares young people for the future of work. She was first introduced to JA while working at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Impressed by the organisation, she quit her lucrative job at the age of 24 to bring JA to Nigeria, where it now reaches more than 1 million people, before going on to head up JA’s operations across the continent.  

The vital importance of Nwogugu’s work is highlighted by the fact that 60% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa and about 37% of its workforce are under the age of 25.

By 2025, Africa will be home to 25% of the world’s youth population. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, her organisation empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

For 25 years, Simi Nwogugu has been leading JA’s efforts in various capacities as it embarked on a mission to help young people to generate and effectively manage wealth and create jobs for their communities. Her passion for strategy and innovation led to the development of many impactful programmes that are ensuring young Nigerians have the skillsets and mindset to succeed.  

She is a passionate advocate for girls’ education and one of her unique initiatives includes the Leadership, Empowerment Achievement & Development (LEAD) Camp for Girls, which has impacted 1,000 young girls and inspires and empowers them to become high-achieving women leaders in society. Another initiative she has championed is the Venture in Management Programme (ViMP), which is designed to empower young people in the different facets of managing a business, making crucial business decisions and developing skills for general management. She also built digital and out-of-school youth programmes that enabled her organisation to reach underserved populations in the North of Nigeria, even during the Boko Haram crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Prior to becoming JA Africa CEO in 2020, she led JA Nigeria to impact the lives of over 1 million Nigerians in 5,000 schools. Among the many JA alumni who have gone on to become job creators and social entrepreneurs is Iyin Aboyeji, the founder of two unicorns: Andela and Flutterwave. 

Nwogugu also serves as president of the governing board of the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria (HBSAN). She is a member of the Advisory Council of the African Capital Alliance Foundation, and of the Global Advisory Committee for Teach For All. 

Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader, Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa, at HP said: 

“My warmest congratulations to Simi Nwogugu on being named a Top 10 finalist for the Africa Education Medal 2023. Her tireless work to improve education stands as an inspiration to us all and I hope many others will follow in her footsteps to become leaders in the field.

HP has a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. Only by joining forces and aligning with NGOs, government, educators and businesses can we truly improve the education environment. The Africa Education Medal brings together all those who are changing the face of African education, whose vital work deserves to be celebrated.”

Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education, said: 

“Africa’s teachers and school leaders, and its leaders of governments, NGOs and businesses, all play a crucial part in unlocking the continent’s potential through quality education.  African education stands at a crossroads in the wake of the pandemic, but if leaders from across the continent in every field can work together then they can build the lasting change needed. 

“I congratulate Simi Nwogugu on her achievements in skilling up Africa’s young people and I hope her success serves as a rallying cry for changemakers to come forward and make a difference.” 

The Top 10 finalists for the Africa Education Medal are: