Absa has partnered with Microsoft Elevate and Women in Tech to expand the ElevateHer AI Programme to 9 additional African countries.
The ElevateHer AI Programme was launched in South Africa and has reached more than 10,000 learners. The expansion will now see the initiative rolled out across additional African countries as Absa sharpens its focus on skills development, inclusion and responsible AI adoption.
The programme leverages Absa’s pan-African footprint, Microsoft’s Elevate AI skilling platform, and Women in Tech’s community networks to train women in how to use AI tools for real-world work and business use cases. Participants learn how to generate ideas, write reports, streamline tasks and use AI responsibly through tools such as Microsoft Copilot.
According to Absa, the goal is not just to teach people how to use AI, but to help women actively shape how technology is applied in their industries and communities.
“Digital confidence is becoming just as important as financial literacy,” said Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation – Technology, Africa Regions at Absa. “This partnership allows us to equip our employees and communities across the continent with the AI skills they need to thrive.”
Microsoft, through its Elevate initiative, has committed more than $4 billion in cash and technology over five years to support AI skills development globally, with a target of credentialing 20 million learners in two years. Through ElevateHer, that support is being translated into free, practical training for African women at different career stages.
Women in Tech sees the programme as a key tool in closing the gender gap in emerging technologies.
“Many women are eager to engage with AI but don’t always know where to start,” said Melissa Slaymaker, Africa Regional Director at Women in Tech Global. “ElevateHer gives participants the practical skills and confidence to use AI in their work, studies and businesses.”