Patoranking announces $500 000 tech scholarship

The initiative, via his Patoranking Foundation non-profit in partnership with tech hub ALX Africa, will offer access to programmes in data analytics, cloud computing, and Salesforce administration.

“This partnership with ALX Africa allows us to provide advanced digital skills critical for future employability and entrepreneurship,” Patoranking said. “Our goal is to equip 1 million Africans within the next 10 years. We believe in the abundance of exceptional talents and changemakers in Africa and will continue to challenge the financial inequalities that hinder their emergence.”

ALX Africa founder Fred Swaniker added: “In today’s world of AI and big data, young people need to be prepared for uncertainty; they need to be agile and adaptable. ALX’s tech programmes are designed to meet the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Through our collaboration with Patoranking Foundation, we aim to empower tomorrow’s tech disruptors and community leaders with the necessary skills to solve problems on the continent and beyond.”

Over the past six years, the Patoranking Foundation, which aims to equip outstanding young leaders in Africa with transformative educational programmes and market-ready entrepreneurial skills, claims to have invested more than $1m in youth education across the continent.

A decorated musician, philanthropist and activist, Patoranking is behind several hits and four albums, his latest being 2023’s World Best. His most recent hits include ‘Babylon’, ‘Higher’ and ‘Woman of the Year’.

Interested scholarship candidates can apply online here before 2 July.