Computer Science
Academy Africa
About Us
How CSA Africa Started
Computer Science Academy (CSA) Africa was founded in 2018 by Dr Sofiat Olaosebikan, but the story begins with three rejections and a decade of fumbling in the dark.
Three times, Sofiat applied to study computer science. Three times, she did not secure admission. She pivoted to mathematics and spent ten years teaching herself programming alone, with no one to tell her the way.
Then, in 2014, everything changed. Two weeks of Python programming at AIMS Ghana unlocked what years of struggling alone could not. Within two years, she earned a fully-funded PhD in Computing Science at the University of Glasgow and began a career in computing.
When Sofiat settled in Glasgow, this question wouldn't leave her: How many brilliant young Africans are fumbling alone right now? How many have the same potential but lack that critical launchpad and someone believing in them?
In July 2018, CSA Africa's first workshop brought together 100 students at the University of Ibadan. But the workshop revealed something unexpected. The real barriers weren't just access to training or resources; they ran deeper, into confidence, representation, and support systems. This discovery would reshape everything CSA Africa would become.
What We Discovered
After our first few workshops, we noticed a troubling pattern: only 17% of our participants were women. We discovered that the barriers weren't about access to computers or internet alone; they were psychological.
It was confidence. It was seeing no one who looked like them succeeding in tech. It was a mother choosing between attending a workshop and caring for her child. It was a motivated student unable to afford travel.
In 2022, we became intentional. We stated clearly: "Women are strongly encouraged to apply." We introduced childcare support. We provided accommodation and covered road transportation. We built mentorship into the programme structure.
The results were immediate. Female participation jumped from 17% to over 50%—and has stayed there. Mothers attended with their children. Students from remote areas gained access. Participants reported feeling skilled, confident, and supported.
Our Participants
What Drives Us
Our Vision
Our vision is a continent where every young African has the opportunity and capability to harness the power of computing.
Our Mission
To empower young Africans with transformative computing skills, providing them with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to thrive in the information age.