The AI Readiness Academy is a flagship program under the Mandela AI Hub’s Youth & Women Upskilling initiative, designed to empower young people and women with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the emerging AI economy. It focuses on building foundational understanding of artificial intelligence, developing hands-on technical and applied skills, and fostering ethical awareness to ensure responsible use of AI technologies. Through a combination of AI literacy training, practical workshops, and governance education, the Academy aims to create an inclusive and future-ready workforce capable of driving innovation, addressing local challenges, and leading Africa’s transformation in the digital age.