As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries worldwide, Africa is taking deliberate steps to keep pace.
According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Future of Work report, AI and AI-related job postings grew by 38% between 2020 and 2024, establishing the sector as one of the fastest-growing globally.
AI skills are increasingly vital across various fields, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, human resources, design, and project management.
Responding to this global shift, the African Union (AU) has developed a Continental AI Strategy that prioritises people-centric development.
A key pillar of the strategy focuses on strengthening infrastructure, data systems, and—most critically—skills and talent development across member states.
Helping to bridge Africa’s talent gap is the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), a European-accredited, fully online university with a global reach.
Since launching in 2023, OPIT has enrolled students from across the African continent, offering internationally recognized and affordable degrees in: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Digital Business, Cybersecurity
“We’re building a curriculum that responds to the world’s most urgent need for tech talent,” said Riccardo Ocleppo, OPIT Founder, speaking from Milan.
“With a faculty of 45 international professors, OPIT combines affordability, flexibility, and academic rigor. While our students come from 78 countries, we are especially proud to support Africa’s fast-growing tech ecosystems.”
OPIT’s approach complements the AU’s broader goals for inclusive digital growth.
Its fully online structure enables students to pursue their studies while remaining in their home countries, allowing them to continue contributing to their local economies and careers.
Watson Ndethi, an IT engineer based in Nairobi with over ten years of experience, enrolled in OPIT’s MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence in September 2024.
He described the program as adaptable for professionals with full-time jobs.
“OPIT’s blended model—featuring weekly live sessions and expertly designed self-paced materials—makes it possible to fit a high-quality, accredited graduate program into a busy work schedule. It’s a valuable option for working professionals across Africa,” he said.
Ndethi is one of a growing number of African professionals opting for OPIT’s flexible and in-depth programs.
In March 2025, OPIT held its first graduation ceremony, with 40 students from six continents completing the flagship MSc in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Headquartered in Malta, OPIT emphasises practical, industry-oriented learning. Students engage in interactive online sessions, masterclasses, quizzes, and exercises, with 24/7 access to tutoring and personalised support.
With over 300 students currently enrolled, OPIT is building a global network of tech professionals equipped for the demands of the modern job market.
As demand for AI talent rises across Africa, institutions like OPIT are doing more than educating—they are helping shape the continent’s next generation of tech leaders.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!