Access
Many students lack reliable devices, connectivity and modern AI tools
LBS AI Builders · Cameroon Pilot · 2027
Learn AI.
Build with AI.
Solve for Africa.
A free, hands-on program where African students use AI to prototype solutions for problems in their own communities — and a repeatable model for bringing it to 50 cities.
The gap
Africa's AI opportunity starts with access.
Young people need tools, mentors and a path from curiosity to meaningful work.
Practice
Students often learn AI through exercises that don’t address problems they see in their communities
Pathways
Exposure seldom connects to mentors, internships or entrepreneurship
Our response
A free, hands-on program where students use AI to solve problems they see in their communities.
The result: young people leave with a prototype, a mentor network and a next step.
The Opportunity
~4%
Potential addition to regional GDP over a decade if countries build the foundations for broad AI adoption.
~50% of new entrants
Sub-Saharan Africa's projected share of new entrants to the global labor force by 2030.
The Challenge
0.2%
Estimated GDP gain at today's preparedness level.
3M
Advanced digital professionals required to meet demand
70K/yr
Advanced professionals currently produced
Data based on IMF and Mastercard Foundation research.
How the model works
LBS Africa owns the program. Partners make each cohort possible.
Curriculum
Standard lessons and project playbook
Host
Venue, students and local logistics
Sponsor
Funding, technology and visibility
Mentors
Industry guidance and career exposure
Outcomes
Projects, skills and alumni pathways
The three-day experience
Three days. No prior coding experience required.
Day 1
Discover
- AI fundamentals
- Responsible use
- African use cases
- Hands-on exploration
Day 2
Build
- Team formation
- Problem selection
- Rapid prototyping
- Mentor coaching
Day 3
Solve
- Prototype testing
- Pitch preparation
- Demo Day
- Awards and next steps
Students build for problems that matter
AgricultureCrop disease assistant
EducationLocal tutoring companion
HealthCommunity health information assistant
CommerceSmall business assistant
ClimateCommunity risk monitor
CreativeLocal language storytelling
Talent pathway
The bootcamp is a starting point, not an endpoint.
AI Explorer
Three-day bootcamp
AI Builder
Project and mentor support
AI Fellow
Advanced 6–12 month program
AI Professional or Founder
Internship, employment or venture
AI Mentor
Alumni teach the next cohort
Alumni strengthen the model by returning as mentors, employers and founders.
Cameroon pilot 2027
A focused first cohort will prove the model.
students, ages 14–18
days of hands-on learning
industry mentors
student prototypes
Target mixAt least 50% girls·public and private schools·underserved communities represented
50-city network
Five regions, kept local and repeatable.
Central
- Douala
- Yaoundé
- Limbe
- Buea
- Kinshasa
West
- Lagos
- Abuja
- Accra
- Kumasi
- Abidjan
East
- Nairobi
- Mombasa
- Kampala
- Kigali
- Addis Ababa
Southern
- Johannesburg
- Cape Town
- Durban
- Pretoria
- Gaborone
North
- Cairo
- Alexandria
- Casablanca
- Rabat
- Tunis
Proposed cities; final selection depends on host quality, safeguarding, connectivity and sponsor presence.
Scale roadmap
A phased rollout that protects quality.
2027
Prove
5 cities
Validate curriculum and operating model.
2028
Expand
15 cities
Establish five regional networks.
2029
Scale
30 cities
Complete the 50-city footprint.
50cities across five regions
2,500students reached annually
500+industry mentors
One city = 50 students = 3 days = one cohort.
What sponsorship creates
A partnership with practical value on both sides.
Visible Impact
A named cohort with documented student outcomes and stories
Employee Engagement
Mentor, judge and speaker roles for employees
Talent Pipeline
Early relationships with motivated students and future builders
Local Innovation
Student prototypes focused on real community and industry problems
Partners receive a concise impact report, approved media assets and a post-program briefing.
Become a mentor
Guide the next generation of African AI builders.
Mentors give students a few hours of guidance and a window into real careers in technology.
Coach teams
Help student teams shape a real community problem into a working prototype during the bootcamp.
Judge Demo Day
Evaluate final pitches, give feedback and celebrate student achievement with the community.
Open doors
Share your career path and connect motivated students to internships and opportunities.
Time commitment
One day of the three-day bootcamp — in person or remote — plus optional follow-up with your team.
No teaching experience required. We brief every mentor before the cohort begins.
Sponsorship packages
Fund one city, a country cluster, a region or the continental network.
City Partner
Funds one complete 50-student city program
- City recognition
- Demo Day role
- Mentor seats
- Impact briefing
Country Partner
Funds four or more cities in one country
- Country recognition
- Steering role
- Consolidated outcomes
Regional Partner
Funds ten cities across one African region
- Regional recognition
- Advisory seat
- Portfolio reporting
Continental Partner
Anchors delivery across multiple regions
- Founding recognition
- Strategic council
- Annual impact review
Technology/Access Partner
Provides AI tools, devices, cloud, connectivity or transport
- Recognition tied to contribution
- Staff participation
Detailed funding information is provided upon request.
What we will measure
Accountability built into every cohort.
2,500students across 50 cities
400–500prototypes built
50%+female participation
500+mentors engaged
80%+report stronger AI confidence
6 mo.alumni follow-up
North-star questionWhat happened for students because this program existed?
Founding Sponsor Opportunity
Fund one city. Help build a 50-city African network.
Your partnership gives 50 students access to AI learning, mentors and a path to build solutions for their communities.
Next step: confirm sponsor interest · align on pilot city and dates · appoint a joint launch team.