Nairobi, Kenya, October 28, 2025 — The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE), in collaboration with IBM, announces the transition of the Reskilling Revolution Africa (RRA) initiative from pilot phase to full implementation, following successful initiatives in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa. This pioneering program, launched in collaboration with the African Union and powered by IBM SkillsBuild, a free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education, is anchored in the belief that skills are powerful pathway to youth employability.
The initiative engaged thousands of young Africans – those not in employment, education, or training, as well as tertiary education students aiming to obtain skills relevant to local labor markets – through strategic digital outreach and localized engagement efforts. These learners accessed free, tailored learning pathways aligned to their respective national job markets, with access to over 1,000 courses in advanced technology including Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. A significant number of the youth also earned verified digital credentials through IBM SkillsBuild to further boost their employability in a competitive job market.
“At IAVE, we know that volunteering can provide the evolving set of skills and real-world experience African youth need in order to succeed in the 21st century workforce,” said Nichole Cirillo, Executive Director at IAVE, “We are delighted that through the Reskilling Revolution Africa, IAVE and IBM have helped a significant number of young people gain access to these skills in a facilitated and locally-rooted environment.”
The program prioritized strategic collaboration with local organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders to ensure cultural relevance and sustainable delivery. Additionally, dynamic social media campaigns expanded reach and built vibrant digital communities, amplifying youth voices and encouraging peer-driven learning.
Key highlights from the initial phase include:
- Country-specific learning pathways aligned with local labor market demands in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa.
- Extensive engagement with AI learning, with learners completing modules ranging from AI fundamentals and ethics to applied topics like digital marketing, sustainability, finance, gaming, and generative AI – equipping youth with practical, future-ready skills.
- Verified digital credentials awarded to learners through IBM SkillsBuild, offering verifiable proof of acquired skills.
- Robust social media campaigns driving awareness, engagement, and participation.
The next phase of the RRA program will expand into Kenya alongside Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Learners will access a broader range of digital pathways through IBM SkillsBuild, including advanced AI courses in areas such as sustainability, finance, digital marketing, generative AI, and ethics. By combining IBM SkillsBuild’s globally recognized coursework and training with strong local partnerships and mentoring, the initiative will equip young Africans with in-demand skills, expand volunteering opportunities, and boost employability across the continent.
“With IBM SkillsBuild, we’re investing in the future of work by expanding access to education and training as part of IBM’s global commitment to skill 30 million people by 2030,” said John Matogo, Corporate Social Responsibility Leader for Africa & the Middle East at IBM. “We’re excited to collaborate with IAVE to help close the talent gap by equipping students and young job seekers with in-demand skills. As technologies like generative AI evolve, IBM SkillsBuild provides learners with up-to-date training to succeed in today’s job market.”
As IAVE and IBM SkillsBuild move into the full-scale implementation phase, the Reskilling Revolution Africa initiative is poised to empower a new generation of digitally proficient and community-minded African youth, driving economic growth and fostering a brighter future across the continent.
About IAVE
The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) is a global network dedicated to creating a more just and sustainable world by enabling the leaders, organizations, and environments that empower volunteers. Through initiatives like RRA, IAVE seeks to enable individuals and communities through transformative service and learning.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Han
Marketing and Communications Manager
[email protected]