AltSchool Africa Launches in Kenya

AltSchool, an Edtech founded in 2021, has announced its launch in Kenya as its second East African country.

The Nigerian tech startup provides courses aimed at fast-tracking entry into global tech roles. The startup envisions a world with 10 million Africans equipped with in-demand skills by 2030. The  Kenyan arm will be led by Tabitha Kayvu as the country manager.

According to co-founder and CEO, Adewale Yusuf, Kenya is its second-biggest market just behind Nigeria. The high number of enrollments in Kenya is what pushed the company to expand to the country.

When starting operations, AltSchool Africa focused on offering one-year diploma courses in software engineering. Over time, the Edtech has added new courses ranging from data engineering, sales, fintech product management to digital marketing. The startup has five distinct schools of Data, Engineering, Business, Product, and Creative Economy. Adewale Yusuf, co-founder of AltSchool, envisions a future where ten million Africans are equipped with the skills necessary to secure meaningful employment and contribute to the continent’s economic development.

Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Growth and Partnerships at AltSchool, verified that the company has initiated discussions with communities and organizations in Kenya, as reported by Techpoint. Akinwamide emphasized that establishing a presence in Kenya aligns with the startup’s mission to equip Africans worldwide with the essential skills for seizing opportunities in technology, adding that there are plans to launch in other African countries where it has seen traction.

Akinwamide stresses that it is more concerned with students getting roles without relying solely on the startup. This means ensuring that learners understand what employers are looking for before they complete their training.

Founded in 2021, AltSchool has already garnered significant traction. It secured $3 million in May 2023 and a further $1 million in pre-seed funding earlier the same year, solidifying its financial footing.

AltSchool’s success extends beyond Kenya, with an established presence in the United States and Rwanda, attracting learners from 105 countries, boasting over 60,000 learners.