Vodacom has renewed its focus on digital literacy across Africa, stressing that expanding internet connectivity must go hand in hand with the skills people need to access information, use technology effectively and participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
The telecommunications group made the call as the world marked International Literacy Day 2026 under the theme, “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”
Vodacom said the rapid digitalisation of African economies is changing the meaning of literacy, making digital and information literacy increasingly important alongside traditional reading and writing skills.
According to the company, 4 million beneficiaries gained access to education during FY2026 through its e-learning platforms and school connectivity programmes, reflecting the growing role of technology in expanding educational opportunities.
Vodacom also highlighted its youth-focused digital skills programmes, particularly TechStart, which has reached more than 400,000 young people since 2024 and provided 101,628 certifications.
Other initiatives, including Code Like A Girl and the Vodacom Youth Academy, are also being used to equip young people with skills needed to navigate and contribute to the digital economy.
In FY2026 alone, 9,441 girls participated in training through the Code Like A Girl programme, which focuses on developing coding skills and creating pathways into careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Beyond digital skills, Vodacom said it is also supporting foundational literacy in Tanzania through its partnership with Twaweza East Africa.
The partnership supports literacy and numeracy development for 79,390 early-grade learners across 256 schools, while a zero-rated teacher development platform has enabled 121,832 teachers to access training resources without incurring data costs.
Vodacom said literacy in today’s increasingly connected world can no longer be viewed solely through the ability to read and write, but must also include the capacity to find and assess information, navigate digital technologies and use them confidently.
The company maintained that combining connectivity with education and practical digital skills can help ensure that Africa’s growing access to technology translates into broader economic opportunities, greater inclusion and improved social outcomes.
As African economies become increasingly interconnected, Vodacom said strengthening digital literacy will be critical to ensuring that people are not merely connected to the digital world, but are equipped to benefit from it.