Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom, has announced that its youth-focused digital skills initiative has now reached more than one million young people, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to prepare the next generation for an increasingly digital economy. The achievement was announced on 21 July 2026 as the company expanded its Safaricom Hook Circle programme to students at Kiambu National Polytechnic, where participants received practical training in digital technology, entrepreneurship, agritech and emerging career opportunities.
The milestone reflects Safaricom’s growing investment in developing digital talent at a time when African governments and private companies are working to address youth unemployment by equipping young people with skills needed in technology-driven industries.
Connecting Education With Industry
The latest training programme brought together students, industry experts and technology partners for two days of hands-on learning and mentorship. Participants explored career opportunities beyond traditional employment, learning how digital tools are transforming sectors such as agriculture, entrepreneurship and online business.
The initiative was delivered in partnership with DigiFarm, Power Learn Project and other industry stakeholders, giving students direct exposure to professionals working in technology and innovation. Through practical demonstrations and career conversations, learners gained insights into the digital skills employers increasingly demand in today’s job market.
Rather than focusing only on classroom theory, the programme encourages young people to develop practical abilities that can help them secure employment, launch startups or create their own sources of income.
Reaching One Million Young People
Since its launch in 2023, the Safaricom Hook Circle initiative has expanded rapidly across Kenya, reaching young people in Nairobi, Mombasa, Meru, Kakamega, Siaya, Nyeri and several other counties.
According to Safaricom, more than one million young Kenyans have now participated in different activities under the programme, making it one of the country’s largest corporate-led digital empowerment initiatives. Young people between the ages of 10 and 24 have been introduced to digital learning, mentorship opportunities and career guidance designed to prepare them for the future of work.
The company says the programme will continue expanding as demand for digital skills grows across Kenya.
Preparing Youth for the Digital Economy
Speaking about the initiative, Fawzia Ali Kimanthi, Safaricom’s Chief Consumer Business Officer, said connecting industry with learning institutions helps students better understand emerging career opportunities and the skills required to succeed.
She noted that technology is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, making digital literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation essential for young people entering the workforce. By exposing students to real-world applications of technology, the programme aims to help them make informed career decisions while encouraging lifelong learning.
The initiative also introduces participants to sectors such as agritech, where digital tools are improving agricultural productivity and creating new employment opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Technology Companies Step Into Education
Across Africa, private technology companies are increasingly filling gaps in digital education.
Governments continue investing in ICT infrastructure and curriculum reforms, but telecommunications firms, fintech companies and technology organisations are also launching training programmes to prepare young Africans for careers in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital marketing and entrepreneurship.
Safaricom’s partnership with organisations such as Power Learn Project reflects a growing trend in which businesses collaborate with educational institutions to build practical skills that match labour market demands.
Industry analysts believe these partnerships will become even more important as Africa’s digital economy continues to expand.
Digital Skills Become an Economic Priority
The World Bank estimates that Africa will have the world’s youngest population by 2050, creating both enormous opportunities and significant employment challenges.
As automation, artificial intelligence and digital services reshape global industries, countries that invest in digital skills are expected to become more competitive in attracting investment and creating high-value jobs.
Kenya has positioned itself as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs through innovations such as M-PESA, a thriving startup ecosystem and increasing investment in digital infrastructure. Initiatives like Safaricom Hook Circle complement these national efforts by ensuring young people have the skills needed to participate in the country’s growing innovation economy.
Looking Ahead
Safaricom’s achievement of reaching more than one million young people demonstrates how private sector investment can contribute to national development beyond traditional telecommunications services.
As demand for digital talent continues to grow across Africa, programmes that combine technology, mentorship and practical learning are likely to play an increasingly important role in preparing the continent’s young population for the future.
For Kenya, the milestone is more than a corporate success story. It reflects a broader recognition that digital skills will be central to economic growth, innovation and employment in the years ahead.
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