A new artificial intelligence academy is set to launch in Africa in July 2025, with a mission to close the widening global AI talent gap and equip individuals in emerging markets with the skills required to thrive in the evolving digital economy.
Known as the Bloom Academy for Artificial Intelligence, the initiative is being positioned as one of the first dedicated AI institutions in the Global South.
The academy seeks to democratise access to world-class AI education, reduce the risk of job displacement due to technological disruption, and promote ethical innovation across Africa and other underserved regions.
In a statement on Friday, the Founder of BAFAI, Dr Lola Olukuewu, said the academy’s launch represents a deliberate effort to reposition the global south as a contributor, not just a consumer, of cutting-edge technology.
“For so long, the global south has faced layered challenges at the table where the future is being designed. With BAFAI, we are helping to change that narrative,” she said. “We are not just teaching AI; we are enabling many to think, learn and create in a manner that aligns with the unprecedented pace of global change.”
Olukuewu, a certified Chief AI Officer and MIT-trained machine learning professional with over two decades of multi-industry experience, added that the academy is structured more as a social impact initiative than a commercial venture.
“Our courses are delivered by seasoned professionals, and we have the honour of involving senior industry experts to share practical experience with learners. We also run mentorship sessions for more intensive modules and teach soft skills to boost our learners’ competitiveness in the professional space,” she said.
Olukuewu noted that the academy’s programmes have been intentionally priced to ensure wide access, with scholarships available for selected candidates. “We built in substantial value for a stipend so that learners can gain elite-level training without facing financial exclusion.”
BAFAI’s educational framework rests on three pillars: profitable AI education, sustainable career upskilling, and practical reorientation for success in AI-integrated roles. The institution said it will debut with two flagship courses: Certificate in AI Fundamentals and Certificate in AI Task Management.
Learners will be assessed through topic evaluations and project submissions. Top-performing participants will be linked with BAFAI’s recruitment partners for internships and job placements. Additionally, those with entrepreneurial aspirations may be supported with sustained access to premium AI tools to build and scale ventures.
Olukuewu explained that BAFAI also plans to offer in-person community workshops and regional meetups to enhance engagement and provide platforms for collaboration.
“Artificial intelligence belongs on the list of critical technologies shaping our world. But if it’s going to serve everyone, then everyone must have the chance to shape it,” she said. “At BAFAI, we are training builders, not just users; visionaries, not just consumers.”
