Google, UpSkill expand hustle academy to deliver free AI training

Google and UpSkill Universe have relaunched the Hustle Academy programme with a broader focus on equipping Africans with practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills, opening the initiative to individuals beyond small business owners for the first time.

Originally launched in 2022 as a bootcamp-style training programme for entrepreneurs, Hustle Academy was designed to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 80 percent of jobs across the continent.

Gori Yahaya, founder and chief executive officer of UpSkill Universe, said the revamped academy is designed to bridge the continent’s AI skills gap through hands-on, accessible training.

“AI is reshaping how businesses succeed and how careers are built across Africa. This programme is structured to provide focused, practical learning that participants can apply right away,” Yahaya said, noting that the partnership with Google is now in its fifth year.

He added that the collaboration combines Google global leadership in AI with UpSkill Universe’s regional expertise, positioning African talent to play a leading role in the next wave of AI innovation.

Since its inception, the programme has trained over 18,000 SMEs, many of which have reported growth in revenue and job creation.

With AI increasingly reshaping global work and business landscapes, the 2026 edition of Hustle Academy reflects a strategic shift toward inclusivity.

The updated programme is now open to employees, students, and jobseekers across Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to help a wider audience leverage AI tools to advance careers and improve productivity.

The redesigned curriculum introduces a flexible learning format, combining short, 60-minute webinars with more intensive bootcamps.

These sessions are focused on practical applications of AI in areas such as digital commerce, marketing, and growth strategy, enabling participants to immediately apply their knowledge.

A Google representative said the expansion reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s digital economy by scaling access to AI knowledge and tools.

“The future of Africa’s digital economy lies in the hands of both individuals and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to broaden access to AI skills and empower more people to participate in this transformation,” the representative said.

The Hustle Academy initiative is expected to further enhance digital competitiveness across emerging African markets by helping participants move beyond basic AI awareness to real-world implementation, supporting long-term business growth and workforce development.