HARD SKILLS LAB COHORT 1: FREE DATA ANALYSIS, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING TRAINING FOR AFRICAN YOUTH

Hard Skills Lab is accepting applications for its first cohort, offering young Africans free practical training in data analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The eight-week online programme is designed for beginners and does not require previous coding experience.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to young people living anywhere in Africa.

No previous programming or technical experience is required.

Applicants must have reliable internet access.

Training is available in English and French.

TRAINING AREAS

Data Analysis with Python

Python fundamentals.

NumPy and pandas.

Data cleaning and preparation.

Exploratory data analysis.

Data visualisation.

Working with datasets and presenting findings.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Machine learning fundamentals.

Regression and classification.

Model evaluation and comparison.

Generative AI and responsible AI.

Practical machine learning projects.

BENEFITS

Free eight-week online training.

Live lessons and self-paced practice.

Practical exercises.

A final capstone project combining data analysis and machine learning.

An opportunity to build a practical project for your portfolio.

TIME COMMITMENT:

Approximately 10–12 hours per week.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

1 December 2026.

HOW TO APPLY:

Complete the online application form through the official programme website. The organisers will communicate the cohort's start date to successful applicants.

APPLICATION LINK:

https://hardskills-lab.org/

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

https://hardskills-lab.org/

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Participation is free. The organisers have not explicitly promised a professional certification. Applicants should therefore focus on the practical training and capstone project when evaluating the opportunity.