HP and UpSkill Universe Launch Major AI Skills Initiative for 55,000 African SMEs

HP and UpSkill Universe have partnered to launch the "AI Skills for Business Programme," a significant initiative aimed at providing free, practical AI skills to 55,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa. This program builds on a successful prior collaboration that reached over 40,000 SMEs with general digital skills, now specifically focusing on artificial intelligence to address a critical gap in AI adoption within African small businesses.

The program is powered by HP LIFE, the HP Foundation's global training platform, with content delivered by UpSkill Universe. It aims to bridge the gap between growing AI awareness and actual, confident deployment by SMEs, as a recent study indicated that nearly 70% of SMEs are in early stages of AI maturity, with only 9% embedding AI in their daily operations.

Participants will engage in self-paced courses, live virtual training sessions, and an intensive bootcamp for top performers. The curriculum is designed to equip SMEs with AI skills for areas like reporting, decision-making, risk management, customer experience, and operational optimization. Priority access will be given to youth and women-led businesses, with a target of 40% participation from these groups.

Starting this month, the program will onboard SMEs, with a goal for each to complete at least three AI courses. A select 5,000 will participate in facilitator-led sessions, and the top 50 will attend a bootcamp with mentorship and a 90-day AI action plan, guided by HP employees. This initiative underscores the belief that AI will power Africa's next wave of business growth, ensuring SMEs are active drivers of this transformation.