Technology for Africans: SmartTech Academy Introduces a More Accessible Approach to Digital Education

The online learning platform launches in full on 14 November 2026, with in-demand courses and a certificate on completion, built to make quality digital education in Africa easier to reach.

[Lagos, Nigeria] – November 10, 2026 – SmartTech Academy today announced a more accessible approach to digital education in Africa. The online learning platform launches in full on Saturday, 14 November 2026, and is built around one belief: high-quality education should be digital, effective and affordable. Learners will be able to enrol in in-demand courses, follow structured learning paths and earn a certificate on completion, all online.

Why accessible digital education matters for Africa

Digital skills are no longer optional. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), more than 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. The same research points to around 650 million training opportunities and a market worth an estimated US$130 billion.

The opportunity is huge, but access is still a barrier for many. Quality training is often expensive, tied to a physical location, or delivered without structure or recognised outcomes. SmartTech Academy was designed to close that gap.

A more accessible approach, by design

SmartTech Academy is a digital education platform offering high-quality, well-managed, standards-based skill acquisition programmes. Accessibility is built into how it works:

• Fully online: learners can study from wherever they are, without relocating or commuting to a training centre.
• Affordable by mission: the Academy exists to make high-quality educational products digital, effective and affordable.
• In-demand courses: programmes focus on the skills learners and employers are looking for today.
• Structured learning paths: courses guide students step by step, from foundations to confident application.
• Certificate on completion: every learner who completes a course earns a certificate to share with employers and their professional network.

Built over months, ready for learners

The full launch follows months of work building the course catalogue, the instructor network and the learning platform itself. From 14 November, students will step into a complete, production-ready learning experience, not a preview.

‘Talent is everywhere in Africa, but access to quality, practical training is not. SmartTech Academy exists to change that. We have built a platform where anyone with the drive to learn can gain in-demand digital skills online, at no cost, and earn a certificate that proves what they can do.”

— Ifeanyi Okeakwalam, Founder, SmartTech Academy

Technology made by Africans, for Africans

SmartTech Academy is the education arm of the SmartTech family. Its sister company, SmartTech Solutions, has built software, AI, blockchain and enterprise systems for businesses since 2014 from its base in Lagos, Nigeria. That industry experience shapes the Academy’s mission: “Transforming industries with robust, creative digital solutions and training future experts.” The goal is to bridge the gap between what industry needs and the skills learners bring.

Who SmartTech Academy is for

• Students and recent graduates who want practical, job-relevant skills alongside their studies
• Career changers moving into technology and digital roles
• Working professionals who want to upskill and stay competitive
• Entrepreneurs who want to use digital tools to grow their businesses

Launch details

• What: Full public launch of SmartTech Academy
• When: Saturday, 14 November 2026
• Where: Online at SmmartTech Academy
• Highlights: In-demand courses, structured learning paths and a certificate on completion

Frequently asked questions

When does SmartTech Academy launch?

SmartTech Academy launches in full on Saturday, 14 November 2026.

Do learners receive a certificate?

Yes. Every learner who completes a course receives a SmartTech Academy certificate, at no cost.

Do I need to attend classes in person?

No. SmartTech Academy is a fully online learning platform, so you can learn from wherever you are.

How can I stay updated before launch?

Follow SmartTech Academy on social media and check back on this blog for course announcements and enrolment details.

Be among the first to enrol

Launch day is almost here. Follow SmartTech Academy on social media and keep an eye on the blog for the full course line-up and enrolment details. Join the waitlist to be notified the moment enrolment opens.

Related reading: Bridging Africa’s Digital Skills Gap: How SmartTech Academy Is Empowering the Next Generation · Why Millions of Africans Need Digital Skills to Compete in the Global Economy · Beyond University Degrees: Why Practical Digital Skills Are Becoming Essential for African Professionals

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About SmartTech Academy

SmartTech Academy is a digital education platform offering high-quality, well-managed and standards-based skill acquisition programmes, with certification awarded on completion. Its mission is to make high-quality educational products digital, effective and affordable, and to train the next generation of experts across Africa. SmartTech Academy is part of the SmartTech family, alongside SmartTech Solutions.