Africa AI Week 2025 has embarked on a mission of courage: to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence labs and African classrooms.
From June 21-28, Qhala in partnership with organizations like Datocracy, Aga Khan University, Mtoto News, Panoply, and regional hubs such as BongoHive (Zambia) and Galsen AI (Senegal), are leading a continent-wide effort to train teachers, awaken young minds, and make AI part of everyday learning in Kenya and beyond.
Through the theme “AI in My Language, My Classroom, My Future,” the initiative goes beyond workshops this is a grounds well movement to stop Africa from falling behind in the global AI revolution.
The goal is simple but powerful equip teachers with AI knowledge and tools so they can pass it on to learners in their own classrooms.
Training sessions will take place in Kenyan cities including Nairobi, Nakuru, Kilifi, Kisumu, and Mt. Kenya, as well as in Zambia, Senegal, Togo, and online.
“To cultivate a strong talent pipeline, we must start early by equipping young minds with the skills and curiosity to shape Africa’s AI-driven future. It’s not just about catching up; it’s about positioning the continent to lead and thrive in the global AI economy,” said Barbara Osiro, Project Manager for the event.
The opening day brought together teachers, students, policy makers, startups, and curriculum developers for discussions, showcases, and practical sessions on how AI can drive Africa’s future.
By the end of the week, around 700 teachers all registered with their national Teachers Service Commissions (TSC) will have been trained in basic AI. These teachers will act as multipliers, helping spread AI knowledge to thousands of learners.
Throughout the week, hubs in different regions will host:
Train the Trainer (TOT) sessions for 200+ teachers per location
Hackathons for kids and university students
AI literacy workshops in both rural and urban areas
Talks on AI ethics tailored for African settings
EdTech showcases of real-world African AI solutions
“We are not just talking about AI, we are training teachers, influencing policy, and designing curricula. If AI is the future of work, Africa must prepare from the classroom up. These efforts position Africa as a non-receiver of global technology trends, but rather a continent forging responsible and inclusive AI applications that are informed by context, culture, and continental cooperation,” said Dr. Shikoh Gitau, Qhala CEO.
Africa AI Week 2025 also presents a chance for governments, educators, and innovators to come together to work on long-term strategies for AI education. This includes contributing towards curriculum overhauls, piloting programs, and engaging with ministries of education.
And the work doesn’t stop this week. In July, Qhala and partners will host a policy roundtable with curriculum experts, education ministries, and other continental stakeholders to explore how AI can be formally included in national education plans.
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This is part of Qhala’s broader mission to help Africa build strong, future-ready education systems learning from global examples like China, which has already started integrating AI into its schools.
