Google, in partnership with Livity Africa, has committed to upgrading the digital skills of some one-million people across Africa over the next 12 months by expanding its Digify digital training initiative onto a free-of-charge online training platform.

DigifyAfrica.com currently had nine online “data-light” digital skills courses available to anyone in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, with plans to grow the portfolio of choices to 50 by June and expanding its reach into other African countries.

An online learning portal would enable Google to expand its knowledge reach, bridge the gap in digital skills across the continent and enable Africans to embrace the digital world, Google South Africa country director Luke Mckend told media on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Google offices in Randburg, he said: “The Internet is at the heart of economic growth and the digital skills programme is aimed at helping more Africans play a part in the digital economy. Everyone can succeed online, start a new business, grow their existing one, or share their passion.”

Initially launched in South Africa in 2014 – where 150 people received training in the intensive three-month bootcamps - and followed by launches in Nigeria and Kenya in 2016, Digify Africa comprised Digify Pro and Digify Bytes, which would provide the tools and knowledge on subjects including building an online presence, creating content, understanding Web design and user experience, social media and app development.

Digify Bytes aimed to provide a basic overall “short, sharp shot” of digital marketing skills for those considering a digital career through a one- or two-day training programme.

Digify Pro was a three-month immersion programme for digital specialists, where learners were “put through their paces” in an intensive workplace environment and offered a range of practical workshops on digital campaigns, social media and content creation, and training on Google Search, AdWords, YouTube and Analytics, as well as the soft skills and basics of professionalism.

Google was also currently in talks with several potential partners to scale up the Africa-wide programme into more countries.