Young Africa Cuts the Ribbon on New Free E-Learning Platform for Youth Skills Development

Harare, Zimbabwe/ Amsterdam, Netherlands – Young Africa, in partnership with SERVE, proudly announces the official launch of its Digital Vocational Education Training for Young Africans (D-VETYA) e-Learning platform: a major step towards making quality vocational education freely accessible to disadvantaged youth across Southern and Eastern Africa. The platform was launched today during the TVET Conference in Harare, in the presence of members of the Delegations of the  European Union, key partners, industry, and youth representatives from across the region.

Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with 60% of its population below the age of 25. Yet, millions of young people remain out of school and unemployed. For them, opportunities to gain practical skills are often limited by distance or cost. The new Young Africa e-Learning platform removes that barrier!

With just a phone, tablet, or laptop -and minimal internet access- young people anywhere in Africa can now learn a trade, gain life skills, and build their path toward dignified employment. The platform offers 14 courses in technical, entrepreneurial, and ICT fields, alongside personal development modules. More than 5,000 learners have already registered before the official launch.

Designed for Africa’s diverse realities, the platform responds to different sociocultural situations such as mothers balancing care responsibilities or young people working while wanting to study and those with low connectivity, allowing students to download lessons, learn offline at their own pace, and engage in interactive activities and peer discussions through a blended online offline approach.

The e-Learning platform is part of the D-VETYA project, coordinated by SERVE and implemented across the Young Africa network, including YA Zimbabwe, YA Mozambique, YA Zambia, YA Nigeria, YA Angola, and YA International Netherlands, with support from the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.

Learners can explore courses such as solar technology, welding, cosmetology, food production, and ICT, alongside Young Africa’s hallmark life skills and entrepreneurship training. Each course is self-paced and can be accessed via mobile app or browser, even in low-bandwidth areas.

Upon completion, students receive digital certificates and internship recommendations, linking them directly to local artisans or entrepreneurs for practical experience. After successfully completing their internships, learners can apply for a national trade test certificate, bridging the gap between online learning and formal employment.

“Our mission has always been to empower youth with skills, confidence, and opportunities to build a dignified life,” Dorien Beurskens added. “This digital platform is the next evolution of that mission: scalable, inclusive, and free for all.”

The Young Africa e-Learning platform is now live and freely accessible to everyone.
Discover it here: yaelearning.org

About Young Africa
Young Africa is a federation of independent NGOs providing holistic, accredited vocational education and training to marginalised youth across Africa. YA operates through its own federation members and 24 dissemination partners in 10 African countries, offering training in over 46 disciplines, alongside life skills, entrepreneurship, and ICT education.
www.youngafrica.org

About SERVE
SERVE is an international development organisation based in Ireland that coordinates projects to strengthen youth employability, promote education, and foster sustainable development worldwide.
www.serve.ie

Media Contact
Laura D’Haese
Communications Manager, Young Africa
📧 laura.dhaese@youngafrica.org