Adewale Yusuf, a pioneer in Africa’s tech education space, has transformed the way people perceive technology and education on the continent.
As the founder of AltSchool Africa and co-founder of Techpoint Africa and TalentQL, Adewale’s journey from humble beginnings to tech entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. In this interview, he reflects on his career, his passion for technology, and the challenges he overcame along the way.
CA: Adewale, you’ve had quite a remarkable journey. Can you take us back to where it all began?
Adewale: It all started when I was 17. I didn’t have the funds to continue my schooling, so I decided to start repairing phones to make ends meet.
That experience ignited my love for technology. Instead of using the money I made to pay for school, I bought a laptop to learn programming and coding on my own. It wasn’t the easiest decision, but it was one of the best investments I made in my life.
CA: That’s incredible! How did your self-taught journey evolve into founding tech platforms like Techpoint Africa and AltSchool Africa?
Adewale: After teaching myself programming, I realized how much I loved technology and its potential to transform lives. I co-founded Techpoint Africa in 2014 to tell the stories of African innovators and entrepreneurs.
We wanted to amplify voices that weren’t being heard globally. That platform grew rapidly, and the more I worked in tech, the more I saw the massive gap in education and opportunities for young Africans, especially in the tech space.
In 2020, I launched AltSchool Africa with the vision to provide alternative education for Africans who couldn’t access traditional schooling or who needed more hands-on, practical tech skills.
The idea was to equip people with in-demand skills like coding, software development, and digital marketing. The response was overwhelming, and we’ve managed to train thousands of students in a short period.
CA: You’ve faced many challenges along the way. Can you share some of the struggles you encountered, especially when starting AltSchool Africa?
Adewale: Starting AltSchool Africa was not easy. One of the biggest challenges was convincing people that we could offer a legitimate alternative to traditional schooling.
It took a lot of convincing to get stakeholders on board, but we stayed true to our mission. There were also technical challenges in creating an online learning platform that could effectively teach complex skills. But we were determined to create an accessible, practical learning environment, and over time, that effort paid off.
CA: It sounds like your journey has been full of hard work and persistence. What kept you motivated, especially in the early days when things weren’t easy?
Adewale: My passion for technology kept me going. I believed in its power to change lives and wanted to be part of that transformation.
The idea of providing young Africans with the tools to succeed in a tech-driven world was my driving force. There were days when it felt like nothing was working, but every time I saw a student learn a new skill or get hired because of the training we provided, it reignited my motivation.
CA: How has your experience and background influenced the way you approach tech education?
Adewale: My background has played a huge role in shaping the way I approach education. Having had to teach myself programming and learn the hard way gave me a deep understanding of the challenges people face when they don’t have access to formal education.
That’s why we focus on making learning practical and accessible. We aim to create an environment where students can apply what they learn immediately, rather than just pass exams.
CA: Your work has earned you recognition, including being named a Top 20 Finalist for the 2024 Africa Business Heroes award. How do you feel about the impact you’ve made so far?
Adewale: It’s humbling. Being named a finalist for the Africa Business Heroes award is an incredible honor. But more than the recognition, I’m proud of the real change we’re driving in tech education.
The fact that we’re helping people build careers in tech, sometimes without even needing to leave their homes, is the most rewarding part of the journey.
CA: What is your vision for the future of AltSchool Africa and tech education in Africa?
Adewale: I see AltSchool Africa growing to become a global platform that provides access to world-class tech education. In the next few years, I want to see our students in high-demand jobs around the world.
My vision is to ensure that no one is left behind in the tech revolution. I believe we have the potential to build a sustainable, tech-driven economy in Africa, and education is the key to unlocking that future.
Adewale Yusuf’s inspiring journey showcases his resilience, passion, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology. His work continues to shape Africa’s tech education landscape, giving hope to many young people in the continent.
