HP and UpSkill Universe Launch Initiative to Equip African SMEs with Practical AI Skills

In a significant move to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, HP Inc. has partnered with UpSkill Universe – Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading provider of AI and business skills training – to launch the ‘AI Skills for Business Programme.’ This initiative aims to equip 55,000 SMEs in Nigeria and South Africa with free, practical AI knowledge.

The programme builds on last year’s successful ‘Skills for Business’ initiative which reached over 40,000 SMEs. It will leverage HP LIFE – the company’s global digital skills platform – to deliver training tailored specifically for African business owners.

Addressing the Skills Gap

While awareness of AI has grown rapidly across Africa, practical application remains limited. Research indicates that nearly 70% of SMEs are in the early stages of AI adoption, with only 9% integrating it into daily operations and decision-making.

The ‘AI Skills for Business Programme’ is designed to bridge this gap by providing targeted training in areas like data analysis, customer experience optimization, risk management, and operational efficiency – all critical applications for today’s digital landscape.

Programme Components

Participants will gain access to:

• Self-paced online courses covering essential AI concepts
• Live virtual training sessions with industry experts
• Intensive bootcamps for top performers

Special priority will be given to youth and women-led businesses, aiming for 40% representation in the programme.

“Small businesses across Nigeria and South Africa already have the ambition to deploy AI,” said Gori Yahaya, Founder & CEO of UpSkill Universe. “What they lack is access to quality training tailored to their needs… We’re making sure small businesses are not just part of Africa’s AI transformation but active drivers of it.”

The programme includes a unique ‘AI Tool Challenge,’ where participants must implement what they learn within 30 days, with ongoing mentorship from HP employees.

Registration and Timeline

Registration is now open at life-global.org/go/upskill. The first cohort will begin training this month, followed by a bootcamp in January.