Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, a leading pan-African technology group, recently collaborated with Christian Aid and IBM in Kenya in an innovative, design-thinking-led workshop aimed at exploring solutions to Africa’s sustainable development challenges.
The workshop aimed to empower Christian Aid’s community partners by equipping them with digital literacy and ICT skills to tackle challenges aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Seventeen partner organisations from across Kenya participated in the training, which saw 42 individuals gain valuable skills and insights. Sixteen of these individuals were from Christian Aid in Kenya, South Sudan, Nigeria, and DRC, with 26 from partner organisations.
This initiative complements Liquid’s vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind. The three organisations have come together to empower businesses and individuals and uplift communities through targeted digital upskilling programmes.
“At Liquid, we believe that the future of Africa’s progress lies in its ability to embrace digital transformation. By working with Christian Aid and IBM to equip communities in Kenya with the skills to leverage technology, we’re driving innovation and fostering sustainable growth that will have a lasting global and local impact,” said Neeraj Pradhan, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Kenya.
Christian Aid works with civil society partners to support communities across Kenya in climate adaptation and resilience, governance and rights, and gender justice. This partnership enables it to empower these groups with the digital skills needed to develop practical actions to eradicate poverty. The Kenya programme implements projects that focus on improving community health; addressing humanitarian needs of vulnerable communities while building longer term resilience; enhancing adaptation to climate change; and promoting inclusive markets.
Cross sector partnerships add true value to Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives, (ESG) as these become a core priority for business in Africa and around the World. Our unique partnership shines a light forward on how business and civil society can come together, combing unique skillsets to boost social economic development in Kenya.
“As ESG planning becomes increasingly critical, this collaboration represents an opportunity to combine knowledge, expertise, finance, tools, and resources to enhance ESG’s impact through ICT innovation. Workshop participants gained unique insights into leveraging technology for sustainable development and ensuring solutions are culturally relevant and scalable,” said Janet Ngombalu, Country Director of Christian Aid Kenya.
Through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM trained Christian Aid and its partners on design thinking principles to help them develop the capacity to build more human-centred programmes. IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. The program supports adult learners, high school and university students, and faculty develop valuable new skills, including AI, and access career opportunities. education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. The program supports adult learners, high school and university students, and faculty develop valuable new skills, including AI, and access career opportunities.
“As we enter 2025, AI is rapidly becoming central to every aspect of business. While this transformation creates unprecedented opportunities, it also highlights a critical need: professionals equipped with the latest AI skills. To address this growing skills gap, IBM is committed to training two million learners in AI by the end of 2026 through IBM SkillsBuild, offering free AI courses to learners worldwide. By investing in AI skills now, professionals can better position themselves for success in the AI-driven workforce of tomorrow.” said IBM Middle East and Africa Corporate Social Responsibility Leader John Matogo.
Through collaborations like this, Liquid is not just demonstrating its commitment but reinforcing it. The Company is dedicated to using technology and digital skills to support social and economic development within Kenyan communities.
