Zoho Expands Young Creators Program Across EA

Zoho has expanded its Young Creators Program (YCP) across East Africa, working with students and professionals to build hands-on digital skills in low-code application development.

Through workshops held in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Madagascar, more than 150 participants were trained to design and deploy functional business applications using Zoho Creator. The sessions were organised in collaboration with local institutions in each country.

“Through the Young Creators Program, we are helping students and professionals across East Africa gain the tools and confidence to turn their ideas into impactful digital solutions,” said Veerakumar Natarajan, Regional Manager, Zoho East Africa. “Our goal is to make technology education accessible and practical, empowering young innovators to solve local challenges and shape Africa’s digital future.”

Participants were introduced to AI-assisted app development through CoCreator, Zoho Creator’s built-in AI assistant powered by Zia, allowing them to build applications by describing their ideas in natural language. The workshops covered forms, reports, workflows, pages, and analytics, as well as more advanced areas like integrations, interface customisation, mobile deployment, and solution management. The initiative encouraged attendees to explore how low-code tools can support entrepreneurship, streamline processes, and spark new innovation.

In Kenya, a workshop hosted at EldoHub attracted 42 participants, including developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals exploring low-code development for the first time. Among them was national steeplechase athlete Leonard Bett, who attended with the aim of building a platform for managing and analysing athletic performance.

“Zoho’s low-code platform opens opportunities for anyone to innovate, regardless of their background,” said Sarah Towet, Co-Founder & Programs Lead, Eldohub. “Our partnership demonstrates how technology can empower young people and professionals alike to create impactful solutions in their communities.”

In Uganda, Zoho partnered with Analytics Business Centre to deliver a Women in Software Engineering edition of YCP, attended by 43 students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. The focus was on equipping women with practical skills for business innovation and digital entrepreneurship.

“Our collaboration with Zoho aligns perfectly with our mission to upskill and empower women through technology,” said Primera Muthoni, CEO & Founder Women in Software Engineering Uganda. “We are proud to see participants leave with confidence and ability to build apps that drive innovation and financial independence.”

The program continued into Tanzania with its first YCP workshop in the country, hosted at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), where 24 computer science students were trained in low-code app development.

“This program has given our students invaluable exposure to industry-grade tools,” said (Dr. Haji Fimbombaya, Head of Department, Computer Studies – Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology. “It compliments our curriculum and helps prepare graduates to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

In Madagascar, Zoho worked with Belgian partner BrainSolutions to deliver a training session in Antananarivo, conducted in collaboration with Inclusive Academy. The session attracted 27 participants, many of whom were new to programming and gained experience in turning their ideas into working applications.

“We are proud to witness the impact that initiatives like YCP can have on young talent in Madagascar,” said Anna Andruamialivelo, Tech Lead at BrainSolutions Madagascar. “Collaborating with Zoho through BrainSolutions has allowed us to introduce accessible, practical, and high-value digital skills to participants who are eager to learn and innovate. Seeing beginners gain the confidence to transform their ideas into real applications using low-code tools has been truly inspiring. This partnership not only strengthens our local ecosystem but also opens new opportunities for the next generation of Malagasy developers.”

The Young Creators Program is part of Zoho’s broader effort to support digital literacy and innovation. Since its launch in 2022, it has trained more than 4,000 participants globally, equipping learners with skills applicable to both careers in technology and entrepreneurial ventures.