South African edtech MasterStart and UK-based artificial intelligence (AI) specialist Cambridge Spark have partnered to bring online data analysis and AI training courses to students across Africa.

The Cambridge Spark-MasterStart partnership aims to provide access to worldclass online courses that address the demand for hard technical skills, combined with the human skills leaders require to thrive in the areas of technology that are most in demand.

The first courses started in July.

Many African economies are working to address the need for digital skills, including data science and AI expertise, which are essential for organisations to truly get the best out of digital transformation in the public and private sectors. However, the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic required skills development initiatives to move wholly online.

“This partnership will unlock the leadership potential of thousands of students and deliver a diverse pipeline of top talent, accelerating technological and data-driven innovation,” says MasterStart CEO Ben Pike.

“With 230-million jobs across the continent requiring digital skills by 2030, this collaboration is timely and essential, demonstrating the impact we can make when we work together and share our knowledge and expertise to help increase skills development and prosperity across Africa,” adds Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa at the UK Department for International Trade Emma Wade-Smith.

The partnership forms part of MasterStart’s international expansion, as well as its move into key data and analysis skills with technology training providers.

MasterStart has been building its portfolio of management and leadership courses in partnership with South Africa’s most prestigious business schools, including University of Stellenbosch Business School USB Executive Development, the University of Cape Town and the Gordon Institute of Business Science.

The company delivers programmes to over 5 000 students every year and has provided training in over 60 countries, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and Zambia.

Through Cambridge Spark’s data analysis and AI online training courses, students can acquire the skills they need to contribute to technological advances in essential industries such as healthcare, education, financial services and agriculture.

“This partnership aims to develop and promote the use of data analysis to accelerate technological and data-driven innovation that will help unlock Africa’s potential on a global scale,” adds Cambridge Spark founder and CEO Raoul-Gabriel Urma.

“It will also contribute to data science skills development and the empowerment of African youth in a field that is increasingly providing opportunities for career advancement.”