Grace Ashiru
AltSchool Africa, a Nigerian edtech startup, has expanded its presence to Kenya, marking its second venture into the East African market. This startup, which boasts a network of 60,000 learners across over 100 countries, offers specialized courses designed to expedite the transition into global technology roles. According to Adewale Yusuf, the co-founder and CEO, Kenya’s learner enrollment numbers are currently lower than Nigeria’s, prompting the decision to establish a presence in the country.
Initially launched in 2021, AltSchool Africa started with one-year diploma courses in software engineering. However, its educational offerings have significantly expanded. The startup now operates five distinct schools: Engineering, Data, Business, Product, and the Creative Economy. These schools offer a diverse range of courses, including sales, digital marketing, fintech product management, and data engineering.
The Kenyan launch marks the culmination of several months of diligent work for this startup. Tabitha Kayvu has been appointed to lead its operations in Kenya. This innovative company specializes in providing virtual education to its learners. It has also forged strategic partnerships to create a thriving community of learners in Nigeria. Yusuf, a key figure in the organization, confirms their intention to replicate this successful model in other regions.
Notably, in 2022, the startup secured an impressive $1 million in a pre-seed funding round. This round saw the participation of prominent Nigerian entertainers, Folarin Balogun (Falz) and Akitoye Balogun (Ajebutter). These influential figures have played a pivotal role in the startup’s marketing efforts, often making appearances in its advertisements.
Nifemi Akinwamide, the Head of Growth and Partnerships at AltSchool, has confirmed that the company is in discussions with communities and organizations in Kenya. AltSchool’s move into Kenya aligns with its mission to empower Africans worldwide with the necessary skills to seize opportunities in the technology sector. Furthermore, the company has plans to expand its presence to other African nations where it has observed promising prospects.
AltSchool Africa’s mission is built on the anticipated growth in job opportunities that demand technical skills. However, it’s worth noting that in the past two years, both startups and major technology firms have laid off thousands of employees and implemented hiring freezes. According to data from layoffs. fyi, 72 companies have laid off more than 13,000 employees in 2024.
For startups like AltSchool, ensuring that learners secure job placements after completing their courses is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, Akinwamide emphasizes that the company’s focus extends beyond merely placing students in roles. AltSchool is committed to ensuring that learners grasp what employers are seeking even before they finish their training. This approach underscores the company’s dedication to preparing its students for successful careers in the tech industry.
