African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology

What African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology does

ACWICT is a Nairobi-headquartered non-profit organization founded around 2000 that delivers digital skills training, workforce development, and digital entrepreneurship programs targeting women, youth, persons with disabilities, smallholder farmers, and healthcare workers across Kenya and Uganda. Over 25 years the organization has reached 400,000+ women and youth, trained 15,000+ Community Digital Champions as grassroots delivery agents, and reports a 70% employment/enterprise conversion rate among program beneficiaries, with specific programs such as the COVID-19 digital employability initiative achieving a 72% employment rate.

The organization's product portfolio comprises the ACWICTS4E (Skills 4 Employment) e-learning platform developed with Microsoft and scaled to 100,000 beneficiaries; the ACWICT Institute of Technology (IOT) delivering certified programs in software development, data science, cybersecurity, AI and emerging technologies, digital marketing, and digital freelancing; the LEAD Series podcast for awareness and advocacy; ACWICT Research for labor-market intelligence and gender insights; and Gray Space Studios, a jointly-controlled audio/video production venture. The organization co-developed the Kenya ICT Authority's national five-tier digital skills curriculum (Foundational through Public Sector Leaders), targeting 20 million Kenyan citizens by 2027. Underlying technology is a hybrid learning management system with offline-capable content, real-time technical support, and a delivery model that combines physical training centers, virtual live sessions, and self-paced eLearning.

ACWICT is grant-funded rather than revenue-generating, with primary funding from the UK Government via the UK Digital Access Programme, GitLab Foundation, Microsoft, Intel, and partnerships with more than ten Kenyan county governments plus district governments in Uganda. The go-to-market combines direct community-based training, partner-led delivery through county governments and civil society, self-serve e-learning, and a Community Digital Champions grassroots network. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; programs are predominantly grant-subsidized, with the IOT operating a formal admission process for fee-based learners. The organization maintains active accreditations with Cisco, Microsoft, Google, AWS, and Certiport, and has been recognized through Microsoft's Upgrade Your World Award, Intel's She Will Connect recognition, Zuri Awards, and three-time NGOsource Equivalency Determination certification.

Name

African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology

Legal name

The African Centre For Women, Information and Communications Technology

Website

https://acwict.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology (ACWICT) is a Nairobi-based non-profit founded around 2000 that delivers digital skills training, workforce development, and digital entrepreneurship programs to women, youth, and persons with disabilities across Kenya and Uganda.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Skills Training and Workforce Development

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Computer Training (61142), Educational Services (611), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital Inclusion & Public Tech Access Training (Device/Internet/Basic IT) (EDAAAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical & Digital Skills Training (BPACANAB), Productivity & Office Software Skills (EDAAAIAC), Foundational Computer & Device Literacy (EDAAAIAA), Digital Learning, EdTech Enablement & Connectivity for Education (BPADAKAH)

Keywords

• Digital skills training
• Workforce development programs
• Community digital literacy
• Youth employability training
• Inclusive technology education

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding & Development Partnerships: ACWICT operates primarily as a grant-funded nonprofit organization, securing funding from international development partners, government programs, and foundations to implement digital inclusion programs. Revenue is used to deliver training programs rather than generate commercial returns.
2. Training Program Delivery: The organization delivers training programs that equip beneficiaries with digital skills, often funded through development grants rather than direct beneficiary fees, with the goal of employment and enterprise outcomes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ACWICT delivers integrated, market-driven digital skills training and workforce development programs targeting women, youth, and persons with disabilities across East Africa. Offerings span foundational digital literacy through specialized tracks (software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, AI, digital marketing, freelancing) delivered through physical training centers, virtual sessions, self-paced eLearning, and Community Digital Champions. The organization also operates a podcast platform (LEAD Series), an A/V production arm (Gray Space Studios), and conducts evidence-based research on digital inclusion.

Product overview

ACWICT is a non-profit organization advancing inclusive digital transformation in Africa, offering a multi-platform portfolio including the Skills 4 Employment (S4E) digital learning platform developed with Microsoft, the ACWICT Institute of Technology (IOT) for specialized ICT training, the LEAD Series podcast platform, ACWICT Research for evidence generation, and Gray Space Studios for audio/video production. Training programs span from basic digital literacy to specialized courses in software development, data science, cybersecurity, AI, digital marketing, and freelancing. The organization also delivers specialized courses in Creative Economy, Digital Agripreneurship, Gig and Online Work, and IT Technician services through both its e-learning platform and IOT institute.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ACWICT Institute of Technology (IOT): Leading center of excellence in ICT training offering industry-relevant programs and globally recognized certifications through partnerships with Cisco, Microsoft, Google, AWS, and Certiport.
• Gray Space Studios
• ACWICTS4E (Skills 4 Employment)
• ACWICT LEAD Series

Products and services

• Skills 4 Employment (S4E) E-learning Platform A digital learning platform providing market-driven digital, entrepreneurial, and job market skills for women and youth, featuring learning management with progress tracking, knowledge checks, market-relevant certifications, downloadable offline content, and real-time technical support. Developed in partnership with Microsoft and targeting unemployed and underemployed individuals seeking digital economy livelihoods.
• ACWICT Institute of Technology (IOT) Center of excellence in ICT training offering programs in Digital Literacy, Software and Web Development, Data Science and Analytics, Cybersecurity, AI and Emerging Technologies, Digital Marketing, and Digital Freelancing, delivered through a hybrid learning environment. Industry partnerships with Cisco, Microsoft, Google, AWS, and Certiport provide globally recognized certifications to learners seeking tech careers or freelance income.
• ACWICT LEAD Series Podcast A podcasting platform exploring ICT impact on livelihoods, education, advocacy, and socio-economic development, featuring ACWICT stories, partner insights, program alumni experiences, and discussions on the future of technology careers for women and youth.
• Gray Space Studios Podcast solutions consultancy offering ideation workshops, distribution and revenue model consultation, audio/video production services, business ideation workshops, branding and merchandise, and social media management for the podcasting community and content developers in Kenya.
• COVID-19 and Digital Employability Programme Digital employability program providing training, mentoring, and employment connections for young women, delivered with KFCB, AFRALTI, TESPOK, and Open Space as partners, with a 72% reported employment rate among program graduates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400,000+ women and youth reached across Africa
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, core and major.

• IEEE Kenya ChaptersupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017IEEE Kenya Section, with 250+ active members, partnered with ACWICT as Support Partner in 2017. IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity.
• GitLab FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGitLab Foundation partners with ACWICT on the EDBO (Enhancing Digital Business Opportunities) project for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in Eastern Uganda. The partnership supports digital entrepreneurship and market access initiatives.
• ICT Authority (Kenya)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICTA partners with ACWICT on digital inclusion programs, including the EDBO project. ACWICT contributed to developing ICTA's five-tier national digital skills curriculum adopted for 20 million Kenyan citizens by 2027.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationMicrosoft partnered with ACWICT to develop the S4E (Skills 4 Employment) digital platform, initially targeting 50,000 women and youth, later expanded to 100,000 beneficiaries. Platform provides market-driven digital and entrepreneurial skills.
• Global Give Back SaccomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFive-year partnership supporting the Girls of Vision program for marginalized young women in West Pokot, Kenya. Program provides rescue, education, digital literacy, and empowerment services reaching 500+ beneficiaries.
• Online Professional Workers Association of Kenya (OPWAK)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOPWAK Consortium partners with ACWICT on Maudhui Digiti Project under UK Government's Digital Access Programme. Jointly produces user needs assessments and delivers digital employability training in Laikipia and Nairobi counties.
• Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in COVID-19 and Digital Employability programme, contributing to training, mentoring, and employment connections for young women.
• African Advanced Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical partner in COVID-19 digital employability training program providing expertise in telecommunications and digital skills development.
• Technology Service Providers of Kenya (TESPOK)supportingTechnology or IntegrationIndustry partner supporting digital employability program with technology infrastructure and industry connections.
• Open SpacesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in COVID-19 digital employability initiative contributing to program implementation and beneficiary support.
• Microsoft (Imagine Academy)coreTechnology or IntegrationMicrosoft Imagine Academy accreditation provides ACWICT access to 200+ courses, digital study guides mapped to certifications, academic discounts, and Microsoft technology associate and specialist certification programs.
• Cisco Networking AcademycoreTechnology or IntegrationCisco accreditation provides industry-standard training in networking, cybersecurity, and IT essentials with globally recognized certifications. Cisco reports 95% employment rate for course completers.
• CertiportcoreTechnology or IntegrationCertiport Authorized Testing Center status enables ACWICT to offer globally recognized certifications including IC3 Digital Literacy, Adobe Certified Professional, and Entrepreneurship & Small Business credentials.
• Google Career CertificatesmajorTechnology or IntegrationACWICT IOT partnership with Google provides pathways in digital marketing, IT support, data analytics, and UX design through career-aligned certifications.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) AcademymajorTechnology or IntegrationAWS Academy partnership provides foundational and intermediate cloud computing training, enabling learners to pursue AWS certifications for designing, deploying, and managing cloud solutions.
• Busia County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusia County Government partners with UKDAP and ACWICT on Inclusive Digital Futures Project, positioning the county as a regional leader in inclusive digital growth. Governor led project launch targeting 1,200 youth.
• Wajir County GovernmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWajir County signed MOU for DEGESI program implementation. Governor H.E. FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi, also Chair of Council of Governors, participated in signing ceremony.
• Garissa County GovernmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGarissa County signed MOU for DEGESI program. Deputy Governor H.E Abdi Dagane led the partnership signing with support from County Attorney and County Secretary.
• Elgeyo-Marakwet County GovernmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerElgeyo-Marakwet County signed MOU for DEGESI program. Governor H.E Wisley Rotich, also Chairperson of ICT Committee at Council of Governors, led partnership with ACWICT.
• Turkana County GovernmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTurkana County signed MOU for DEGESI program. County Secretary Mr. Joseph Nyanga Ekitela signed on behalf of Governor with UKDAP Country Lead and County Attorney present.
• World Bank S4YE CoalitionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerACWICT is member of World Bank's Solutions for Youth Employment Impact Portfolio, joining innovative youth employment projects globally. S4YE addresses the need for 5 million jobs per month to accommodate 1 billion youth entering the job market over 10 years.
• Gray Space KEsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture with Gray Space KE to develop Gray Space Studios, a premium podcast/A/V experience for the growing podcast community in Kenya. Provides podcast solutions consultancy and content development services.
• Cchora StudiossupportingTechnology or IntegrationCreative studio partnership providing branding and merchandise services, website development, and design support for Gray Space Studios clients.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• MEST Africa: Pan-African entrepreneurship training and seed-funding program with hubs across West, East, and Southern Africa. Comparable to ACWICT's digital entrepreneurship and enterprise incubation programs, though focused on founders rather than entry-level learners.
• Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator: South Africa-based youth employment intermediary bridging unemployed youth to digital and entry-level work. Comparable to ACWICT's learning-to-earning conversion thesis, though focused primarily on South Africa.

Direct peers

• Andela: Africa-origin tech talent development company scaling software engineering skills across the continent, with strong employer-placement outcomes. Comparable to ACWICT's conversion-focused learning-to-earning model, though more commercially oriented.
• Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT): International nonprofit activating youth as digital leaders and community trainers in Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere. Closely comparable to ACWICT's champion-based grassroots model and digital inclusion mandate.
• Generation: Global youth employment nonprofit delivering short-cycle, employer-aligned skills training with strong placement metrics. Highly comparable mission, methodology (outcome-focused, employer-linked), and target demographic (underserved youth) to ACWICT's programs.
• ALX Africa: Pan-African tech training and talent accelerator operating across multiple African countries with pathways into software engineering, data, and digital careers. Closely comparable to ACWICT's IOT model in target audience (African youth) and curriculum stack (software, data, cloud).
• Moringa School: Nairobi-based tech training provider offering software development and digital skills courses to entry-level learners in Kenya. Most direct in-country peer to ACWICT's IOT training programs in terms of curriculum, geography, and target learner profile.

Emerging players

• SheCodes Foundation: Global nonprofit providing coding education to women from underrepresented backgrounds. Comparable to ACWICT's women-in-tech training mission and learner-to-employment pathway, though operating globally rather than Africa-specific.

Broad incumbents

• Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB): Largest innovation hub in Africa running incubation, talent programs, and digital inclusion initiatives across Nigeria and beyond. Comparable to ACWICT as a broader African digital ecosystem builder with overlapping programs in youth tech skills.
• African Leadership University (ALU): Pan-African higher education institution developing African leaders with technology-enabled curriculum. Comparable to ACWICT in mission of African digital talent development and emerging-tech curriculum (data, AI), though operates at university level.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ACWICT
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@acwict3988
• Facebookfacebook.com/ACWICT
• Instagraminstagram.com/acwict_ke

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about African Centre for Women, Information and Communications Technology