Vodacom has underscored the increasing importance of digital and information literacy as African economies become more interconnected, marking International Literacy Day 2026 under the theme, “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”
The telecommunications group said expanding access to connectivity needs to be accompanied by digital skills that enable people to use technology effectively, find and access information, and participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
According to Vodacom, 4 million beneficiaries gained access to education during FY2026 through its e-learning platforms and school connectivity programmes.
The company also pointed to progress made through its youth-oriented digital skills programmes. Since 2024, the TechStart programme has reached more than 400,000 young people and provided 101,628 certifications.
Alongside TechStart, initiatives such as Code Like A Girl and the Vodacom Youth Academy are being used to help young people develop skills required to participate in the digital economy.
In FY2026 alone, 9,441 girls participated in training under the Code Like A Girl programme. The initiative is designed to develop coding abilities while creating pathways for participants towards careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Vodacom also highlighted its efforts to strengthen foundational literacy in Tanzania through its partnership with Twaweza East Africa.
The partnership supports literacy and numeracy development among 79,390 early-grade learners in 256 schools. Vodacom added that a zero-rated teacher development platform has allowed 121,832 teachers to access training resources without incurring data costs.
The company said the meaning of literacy is increasingly moving beyond basic reading and writing skills. It now also encompasses the ability to access information, navigate digital technologies and use them with confidence.
Vodacom said bringing connectivity together with education and digital skills could help transform access to technology into wider economic and social opportunities across Africa.
Source: techafricanews.com
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