Womandla Foundation, IAVE and IBM SkillsBuild have launched Reskilling Revolution Africa Phase 2 in South Africa, linking digital training, volunteering and mentorship to real economic opportunities.
The initiative is designed to move women and young people beyond traditional skills training and into meaningful economic participation. Originally founded by the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) in 2023, the programme brings together volunteer mobilisation, technology enablement and community-driven partnerships to create practical pathways into work.
South Africa continues to face one of the highest unemployment rates globally, with more than eight million people actively seeking work. While skills development remains essential, leaders behind the initiative argue that training alone does not guarantee employment without intentional bridges into opportunity.
Sam Gqomo, Founder of Womandla Foundation, says the programme is focused on access as much as ability.
“Empowerment does not begin with a better CV — it begins with access to work. We cannot rely on short-term fixes in an economy that is not creating enough jobs. Reskilling Revolution Africa is about building real bridges between learning and economic participation,” she said.
The programme operates as an integrated ecosystem combining digital learning, mentorship, practical exposure and structured progression pathways. It recognises that volunteering equips young people with adaptable, real-world competencies such as leadership, collaboration, communication and problem-solving — skills increasingly required in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Participants gain access to free, tailored learning pathways aligned to South Africa’s job market, including advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence courses through IBM SkillsBuild. The initiative focuses on three high-potential growth areas: STEAM education, entrepreneurship and innovation, and the creative industries.
The STEAM pathway strengthens digital literacy and education pipelines. The entrepreneurship track focuses on enterprise readiness, incubation, freelancing and supplier development. The creative industries pathway develops digital media, design and content creation skills for a growing digital economy.
Learners earn verified digital credentials that enhance their competitiveness, while strategic implementation partners help connect beneficiaries to internships, enterprise programmes, supplier development initiatives and workforce opportunities.
John Matogo, Corporate Social Responsibility Leader for IBM Middle East and Africa, says access to technology skills is critical for inclusive growth.
“Through IBM SkillsBuild, we are helping equip a new generation with the competencies, confidence and credentials needed to participate fully in — and shape — the digital economy. This partnership ensures that learning translates into real opportunity,” he said.
IBM supports the programme through its digital learning platform and volunteer expertise, enabling scalable delivery. IAVE contributes global volunteer networks and impact partnerships to strengthen mentorship and broaden exposure.
Samuel Turay, Africa Senior Program Manager at IAVE, says the collaboration demonstrates what is possible when technology, volunteering and purpose-driven partnerships align.
“Together, we are creating practical pathways that empower people to participate meaningfully in the economy,” he said.
The launch event will convene corporate leaders, policymakers, development partners and funders to explore how Social and Economic Development and Corporate Social Investment can shift from compliance-driven spending toward measurable, scalable impact that builds genuine talent pipelines.
Womandla Foundation has invited organisations to partner in co-designing pathways and investing in sustainable solutions that move people from skills acquisition to income, dignity and long-term economic participation.
The second phase of Reskilling Revolution Africa signals a shift from training programmes in isolation toward an ecosystem model where learning, mentorship and opportunity are intentionally connected — transforming potential into participation.
