The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has signed a major partnership with Google to deliver 10,000 artificial intelligence and digital skills scholarships, in a move aimed at transforming workforce readiness across South Africa.
The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is designed to strengthen digital capacity, integrate AI into higher education, and close critical skills gaps in the country.
Expanding Access to Future-Ready Skills
Announcing the initiative, Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe described the partnership as a milestone in public-private collaboration for youth empowerment.
Under the programme, students across universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) institutions will gain access to:
- 10,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships
- Training in AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics
- Generative AI programmes tailored for educators
- A “train-the-trainer” model to scale knowledge transfer
The initiative places strong emphasis on reaching underserved communities, particularly in rural and township areas.
Google Backs Inclusive Digital Growth
Speaking at the signing in Johannesburg, Google South Africa Country Director Kabelo Makwane highlighted the economic potential of digital transformation.
He noted that Google tools contributed significantly to South Africa’s economy and said AI could unlock even greater growth by equipping young people with relevant, future-ready skills.
“Closing the skills gap is essential to enabling innovation that addresses Africa’s unique challenges,” he said, stressing the importance of inclusivity.
Beyond Scholarships: Building a Digital Ecosystem
The two-year partnership extends beyond training programmes to include:
- Support for AI curriculum development and localisation
- Deployment of tools like ChromeOS Flex to improve institutional IT capacity
- Collaboration on AI policy and governance for responsible use
- Expanded access to digital learning infrastructure
Officials say the initiative will help modernise the education system while aligning it with global technological trends.
Driving Workforce Development
For the DHET, the partnership represents a strategic step toward preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market.
Gondwe emphasised that digital and AI skills are now essential not only for employment, but also for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Outlook
As South Africa accelerates its digital transformation agenda, the collaboration signals a growing role for public-private partnerships in bridging the skills gap and unlocking economic opportunities for the next generation.
