In a landmark move to transform professional development across the continent, the Association of African Universities (AAU) and digital education pioneer eLearnAfrica have launched an ambitious initiative to deliver locally designed, globally competitive online courses tailored to Africa’s fast-evolving labour markets.
Titled “Professional Learning for Africa’s Future,” the initiative aims to bridge the continent’s widening skills gap by offering mobile-accessible, low-bandwidth-friendly courses through the newly developed AAU-eLearnAfrica Learning Management System (LMS).
“This is about turning Africa into a producer of knowledge, not just a consumer,” said an AAU spokesperson. “We’re building a future-ready workforce rooted in African realities, yet globally relevant.”
Unlike imported e-learning models, this project will be Africa-led, with course content co-created by African scholars, training providers, and institutions. The goal is to produce a suite of modular, skills-based programs that empower professionals across both rural and urban areas, with a strong focus on inclusivity and access.
The courses will support key African frameworks, particularly the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with priority given to trade-readiness, cross-border labour mobility, and inclusive economic growth. Learners will receive digital badges and micro-certifications — portable credentials that demonstrate verified skills and support job mobility across the continent.
Key Features of the Program Include:
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Africa-designed curriculum led by subject matter experts from the continent.
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Mobile-first and low-data learning interface, increasing accessibility.
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Certification and digital credentialing, aligned with AfCFTA labour mobility goals.
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Thematic focus on inclusive growth, innovation, and workforce competitiveness.
Course development will align with Agenda 2063 Aspirations 1 and 6, which promote prosperity through inclusive development and people-driven progress.
The initiative is currently in its development phase, and AAU and eLearnAfrica have issued a call for expressions of interest from universities, vocational institutions, and professionals to join as co-creators of content. Selected partners will design and deliver learning modules relevant to Africa’s economic, technological, and social transitions.
Submission Deadline: August 29, 2025
Article by RB Reporter
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