About us
How CSA Africa started
Founded in 2018 by Dr Sofiat Olaosebikan — but the story begins with three rejections and a decade of fumbling in the dark.
01 — The beginning
Computer Science Academy (CSA) Africa was founded in 2018 by Dr Sofiat Olaosebikan, but the story begins with three rejections and a decade of fumbling in the dark.
Three times, Sofiat applied to study computer science. Three times, she did not secure admission. She pivoted to mathematics and spent ten years teaching herself programming alone, with no one to tell her the way.
Then, in 2014, everything changed. Two weeks of Python programming at AIMS Ghana unlocked what years of struggling alone could not. Within two years, she earned a fully-funded PhD in Computing Science at the University of Glasgow and began her career in computing.
Dr Sofiat Olaosebikan, Founder and Lead
“How many brilliant young Africans are fumbling alone right now? How many have the same potential but lack that critical launchpad and someone believing in them?” Dr Sofiat Olaosebikan, on settling in Glasgow
02 — What we discovered
Only 17% of our participants were women
In July 2018, CSA Africa’s first workshop brought together 100 students at the University of Ibadan. But the workshop revealed something unexpected. The real barriers weren’t just access to training or resources; they ran deeper, into confidence, representation, and support systems.
After our first few workshops, we noticed a troubling pattern: only 17% of our participants were women. We discovered that the barriers weren’t about access to computers or internet alone; they were psychological.
It was confidence. It was seeing no one who looked like them succeeding in tech. It was a mother choosing between attending a workshop and caring for her child. It was a motivated student unable to afford travel.
CSA Africa 2025 · University of Nairobi
03 — What we changed
In 2022, we became intentional
We stated clearly: “Women are strongly encouraged to apply.” We introduced childcare support. We provided accommodation and covered road transportation. We built mentorship into the programme structure.
Female participation
And it has stayed there
Mothers attended with their children. Students from remote areas gained access.
Participants reported feeling skilled, confident, and supported.
04 — Our participants
Not only computer scientists
CSA Africa workshops are designed for university students, early-career researchers, and professionals who are eager to build their programming confidence and apply computing skills to their studies, research, or work.
Our participants come from diverse academic backgrounds:
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Law
- Economics
- Business administration
- The humanities
Participants at a CSA Africa workshop
05 — After the workshop
Within 3–12 months, participants report…
- Securing fellowships and scholarships for further study
- Landing internships and tech jobs
- Winning hackathons and coding competitions
- Building solutions that tackle local challenges in health, agriculture, education, and governance
- Becoming tutors and mentors for future CSA cohorts
Many participants describe CSA Africa as a turning point in their technical skills, and in their belief that they belong in technology and can contribute meaningfully to its future.
What drives us
Our Vision
Our vision is a continent where every young African has the opportunity and capability to harness the power of computing.
Our Mission
To empower young Africans with transformative computing skills, providing them with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to thrive in the information age.
Our Partners
Universities, funders and industry backing the work
Get involved
Ready to Transform Lives?
Join us in empowering the next generation of African tech innovators.