Vodacom Trains More Than 400,000 Young People in Digital Skills Since 2024

Vodacom  has highlighted the growing importance of digital and information literacy as Africa’s economies become increasingly connected, marking International Literacy Day 2026 under the theme, “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”

The telecommunications group said access to connectivity must be matched with digital skills to ensure people can effectively use technology, access information and participate in the digital economy. In FY2026, Vodacom said 4 million beneficiaries accessed education through its e-learning platforms and school connectivity programmes.

The company also reported progress through its youth-focused digital skills initiatives. Since 2024, its TechStart programme has reached more than 400,000 young people and delivered 101,628 certifications. Through programmes including TechStart, Code Like A Girl and the Vodacom Youth Academy, the company is working to equip young people with skills needed for the digital economy.

In FY2026 alone, 9,441 girls received training through Code Like A Girl, with the programme focused on building coding skills and creating pathways into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

Vodacom also highlighted its work in foundational literacy in Tanzania, where its partnership with Twaweza East Africa supports literacy and numeracy for 79,390 early-grade learners across 256 schools. The company said a zero-rated teacher development platform has also enabled 121,832 teachers to access training resources without incurring data costs.

Vodacom said literacy is increasingly extending beyond basic reading and writing to include the ability to access information, navigate digital technologies and use them confidently. The company said combining connectivity with education and digital skills can help turn access to technology into greater economic and social opportunities across Africa.