Empowering young Africans
with computing skills
Computer Science
Academy Africa
Why CSA Africa Exists
After failing three times to break into computer science, our founder (Dr Sofiat Olaosebikan) spent a decade teaching herself computing with no guidance. Two weeks of Python training in 2014 changed her trajectory completely. That's why CSA Africa exists: to be that critical launchpad for every young African with potential.
CSA Africa is an international outreach initiative backed by the University of Glasgow. We empower young Africans with transformative computing skills through intensive three-week Python programming workshops across the continent. Our workshops are designed for university students, early-career researchers, and professionals.
What makes us different?
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Our workshop is free at the point of need
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We are intentional about gender parity
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We provide childcare support for mothers
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We provide accommodation in the host university hostel
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We reimburse the cost of road travel for those attending from afar
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We run confidence and mindset transformation session
Our Impact in Numbers
5
Python Programming
Workshops
700
Lives Transformed Across 13 African Countries
50%
Female Participation Consistently Maintained Since 2022
90%
Participants Reported Improved Programming Confidence
5
Python Programming Workshops
90%
Participants Reported Improved Programming Confidence
50%
Female Participation Consistently Maintained
700+
Lives transformed Across 13 African Countries
200k+
Raised in Funding and Institutional Support
Our Python Workshops
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We run our annual workshops in collaboration with host universities across Africa. We've partnered with institutions in Nigeria, Rwanda, and Kenya, with plans to expand further across the continent.
Our workshops are intensive and hands-on with multiple tracks catering to different experience levels:
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Python Fundamentals (for beginners)
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Python for Software Engineering
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Python for Data Science
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Python for Machine Learning
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Python for Internet of Things (IoT)
Application Timeline
January/February: Call for applications opens
May: Selected participants notified
July/August: Workshop takes place
Our Testimonials
My team and I won $1,000 at the UNEP hackathon and now we're piloting our project with KEFRI. CSA gave me the confidence to compete and unlocked a chain reaction: from joining the data community to discovering a passion that shapes my career every day.
Phenny Mwaisaka (CSA Africa 2025)
CSA 2018 bridged math theory and real engineering for me, launching everything that followed: neural network research, my ML Engineer intern role, to building OCR systems that transform handwritten books into digital ledgers. Now I'm paying it forward as Lead Tutor for Data Science Nigeria, teaching 80+ students what CSA taught me.
Abiodun Allison (CSA Africa 2018)
Before CSA, I looked for assignments to complete. After, I looked for problems to solve. That shift led me to build a platform connecting users to hackathons, turning the skills we learn into real-world solutions. CSA didn't just teach me to code; it taught me to see opportunities everywhere.
Osborn Nyakaru (CSA Africa 2025)
CSA ended my confusion about which tech path to choose, even as a computing student. The workshop gave me clarity and skills I could use immediately. Now I'm analysing health datasets a Kenyan company trusted me with, contributing to real decision-making.
Carren Green (CSA Africa 2025)
CSA changed my mindset from passive acceptance to active problem-solving. I thought of a solution to every problem I encountered and sought out opportunities: I got a part-time job teaching robotics to elementary school pupils, multiple paid internship opportunities, even won a MacBook.
Ireoluwa Olutunmibi (CSA Africa 2022)
After losing my only parent, I was drowning in depression with no hope. CSA ignited my passion for programming and gave me a reason to keep going. Now I'm building tools, writing again, and planning to return to school. This workshop literally saved my life.
Paul Njoroge (CSA Africa 2025)
“Bringing my 3-year-old son to CSA's workshop changed everything, thanks to their childcare support. It proved nothing is impossible. When challenges come, I remember: I was selected, I travelled to Nairobi, I did this. Now girls in my community see me and know it's never too late to take chances on themselves.”
Marcella Barasa (CSA Africa 2025)
“The CSA Africa workshop is the best in-person programming bootcamp I’ve ever attended in Nigeria. It significantly strengthened my Python skills and deepened my understanding of core computer science concepts—making my current undergraduate CS coursework much easier to grasp. The experience also opened real-world opportunities: I completed my first internship working on a Python-based project and even contributed to the official Python documentation. Attending CSA Africa 2022 was truly a transformative and invaluable opportunity”
Usman Akinyemi (CSA Africa 2022)
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Before the program, I had little knowledge of programming and with a great desire to know more. Today, I am proficient in Python, Kotlin, and C++ programming languages, and work as a Mobile Software Engineer. The CSA Africa initiative gave me the solid foundation in which I have built all my technical skills on.
Deborah Oluwabunmi Joseph (CSA Africa 2018)
“CSA Africa transformed my journey from a physics student with no coding background into a confident programmer and leader. It helped me excel in CS courses, earn a scholarship, join the Ghana Data Science Bootcamp, and get elected as Vice President of my department. I even built a GPA calculator to support my peers, proof of how practical and empowering the experience was.”
Halimat Amzat (CSA Africa 2022)
“Three months after graduation, I'm interning at a major fintech company in Nigeria and I'm still emotional about it. CSA gave me what coursework couldn't: real confidence, hands-on skills, and proof that I belong in tech. ”
Taoheed Popoola (CSA Africa 2025)
“CSA Africa helped me find my direction. I was initially unsure of my path, but by the end of the workshop, I confidently chose to pursue the Internet of Things (IoT). I connected with brilliant peers who supported my growth, and the knowledge I gained has empowered me to innovate and ultimately led to my role as an IoT Ecosystem Lead.”
Motunrayo Sanyaolu (CSA Africa 2022)
“The CSA Africa initiative has left an indelible mark on my life, enriching me with invaluable skills and fostering lifelong connections. Immersed in the Internet of Things (IoT) track, I absorbed fundamental concepts and industry knowledge under the guidance of an exceptional tutor.”
Keside Onyeocha (CSA Africa 2022)
“The CSA Africa workshop gave me the opportunity to learn new skills, apply Python programming in my research and improve my coding skills. It has also helped me to connect with other tech enthusiasts and build a strong professional network..”
Ebele Dafe (CSA Africa 2022)
Our Partners
