Building digital and AI fluency to prepare youth for the future economy
In a groundbreaking move to bridge the AI access gap, Goodwall has joined forces with Microsoft and HP Inc to launch the NextGen AI Alliance, an innovative global partnership designed to equip young people with the skills to harness the opportunities AI creates.
Timed ahead of key global milestones such as United Nations General Assembly and International Youth Day (UNGA), the NextGen AI Alliance is more than just another tech initiative, it’s a blueprint for making complex digital skills, including AI, more accessible, engaging, and applicable to local market contexts.
AI is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, yet millions of young people remain excluded from the opportunities it creates. The programme is designed to change that by simplifying advanced technologies, connecting them to real-world applications, and ensuring that digital and AI learning is relevant and attainable for young people everywhere.
“This programme is about equipping young people with the foundational AI skills they need to thrive in the digital economy,” said Taha Bawa, Co-founder & CEO of Goodwall. “By meeting youth where they are, we’re making AI more accessible, empowering them to shape their futures, and preparing them for the intelligence age.”
Through collaboration with private and public sector partners, the initiative will:
- Equip youth with GenAI fluency and digital skills for the future of work
- Deliver gamified, localised learning experiences tailored to specific regions, starting with Africa, Brazil, and a pilot programme in India
- Expand impact through financial support, programme growth, and deeper learning opportunities
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with more than 60% of people under the age of 25 (UN). At the same time, digital inequality persists. According to the World Bank (2022), fewer than 30% of youth in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to digital learning resources. And by 2030, more than 230 million jobs across the continent will require digital skills (IFC, 2022). Yet only 2% of youth currently have access to foundational skills in AI, coding, or emerging technologies (UNESCO/ITU).
The NextGen AI Alliance aims to help reverse these trends by delivering mobile-first, gamified learning experiences that are localised and accessible, even in low-bandwidth environments. Content will be delivered through the Goodwall platform, designed to be practical, culturally relevant, and easy to use.
“Generative AI is reshaping the world of work, and young people need to be part of it,” said Naria Santa Lucia, General Manager, Skills for Social Impact, Microsoft. “Through our AI Skills Initiative and the NextGen AI Alliance, we’re opening doors to careers and possibilities that might have otherwise felt out of reach. Microsoft is committed to equipping youth with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy – by partnering with nonprofits, schools, and community organizations to deliver AI training around the world.”
HP Inc, a key partner in the Alliance, emphasised the importance of preparing youth for the future of work through digital fluency and applied learning.
“AI has the power to change the world but that requires young people globally to have the opportunity to understand and apply it, ” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact at HP Inc. and Executive Director of the HP Foundation. “By equipping disconnected youth with the right skills needed for the future of work we’re unlocking new pathways to innovation, economic inclusion, and long-term impact.”
The NextGen AI Alliance envisions a world where young people – regardless of geography – are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to harness the power of AI and digital skills to shape their futures.
“We need this AI moment to be open and welcoming to all,” added Bawa. “That means engaging youth through meaningful learning journeys that build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.”
The NextGen AI Alliance is set to engage both youth and global decision-makers, positioning itself at the intersection of tech innovation, education, and social equity. As AI continues to shape the global landscape, this initiative ensures young people have access to the opportunities AI creates.
For more information, visit www.goodwall.org
