Refractory Academy's Niyitegeka says human capital will determine Africa’s AI success

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Refactory Academy Director Michael Niyitegeka told the State of Digital Economy (SODE) 2026 forum that Africa’s strongest position in the artificial intelligence era will depend more on skilled people than on building large-scale computing infrastructure. He urged Uganda and other African countries to prioritise practical digital training so young people can develop solutions, enter global markets and benefit from the expanding AI economy.

According to the report, Niyitegeka said infrastructure investment remains important, but argued that human capital is the continent’s more immediate opportunity. He framed skills development as a key bridge between digital access and economic value, aligning with broader SODE discussions on moving Uganda’s digital transformation beyond connectivity toward job creation, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Nile Post also reported that Niyitegeka said traditional degrees still matter, but may not keep pace with rapid technological change. He cited Refactory Academy’s practical software training model, saying more than 3,500 young people have completed its programmes and about 70% have secured employment. He said the central jobs question around AI is whether people will be prepared for emerging opportunities, rather than only whether the technology will displace or create work.

The remarks matter because governments, educators and private-sector actors across Africa are weighing how to respond to AI adoption while addressing youth unemployment and digital competitiveness. Niyitegeka also pointed to Africa’s growing population and the export potential of software, warning that the continent should aim to create AI-driven value rather than remain mainly a consumer market for imported technologies.