Google opens 175 free courses to South Africans with a smartphone
JOHANNESBURG — South Africans can now download free lessons on artificial intelligence and digital skills over Wi-Fi and complete them later without using mobile data. Skilling Africa with Google, which launched on 2 November, runs in a browser on an entry-level smartphone. Learners sign in with a Google account without having to install an app.
The hub brings together more than 175 free courses from existing Google programmes. A job seeker can explore IT support, cybersecurity or data analytics through Google Career Certificates. A small business owner can study digital marketing or use Hustle Academy, while developers can choose technical training through Google Cloud Skills. The platform is open to anyone, including learners starting with basic digital skills.
What learners can use from day one
Learners can track their progress and share verifiable course badges with prospective employers or clients. An AI study companion called Scout can explain an unfamiliar term, answer questions about a lesson or help a learner plan a study schedule. English, Swahili and Arabic are available at launch. Google says isiZulu and isiXhosa are among the next languages it plans to add.
Google aims to equip three million people across Africa with digital and AI skills by 2030, with an initial target of 250,000 graduates across the continent by the end of 2026. South Africans can start by opening the course catalogue in a browser, choosing a subject and downloading lessons while they have access to Wi-Fi.
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