Building the Next Generation of African Tech Talent
Talent is universal. Opportunity is not. Until now.
CloudFest Americas is proud to support Groundbreaker Talents, a nonprofit training young African women to become Software and AI Engineers, so they can build sustainable careers, gain financial independence and help shape Africa’s digital future.
93% graduate. 98% find a tech job within three months. On average, their income grows 22× with their first job.
Groundbreaker believes technology can only benefit everyone when it is built by everyone. Yet only 3% of the world’s AI talent comes from Africa — not because talent is missing, but because access to education, technology and professional networks remains deeply unequal.
At the Groundbreaker Campus in Uganda, the organization removes these barriers through a fully funded residential program that provides technical training, accommodation, meals, laptops, reliable internet, mentorship and career support.
Meet a Talent
One story from the 153 women who have participated since 2023: Nakato Lilian Bagalya, Cohort 4
“I now work as a Software Developer at a US-based company. I can support myself, help my family, and I’ve started a small perfume business alongside my job – something I’d always dreamed of.”
Lilian’s story shows how access to a career in tech can create financial independence and generate opportunities that extend far beyond the individual.
See Groundbreaker in Action
Meet the Talents and discover life at the Groundbreaker Campus in Uganda.
How You Can Support
Help Train 100 Talents in 2027
Groundbreaker aims to start its biggest cohort of talented women in January 2027.
Your donation helps fund the training, accommodation, equipment, mentorship and career support each Talent needs to build a sustainable career in tech.
100% of your donation goes directly to the residential training program.
BECOME A MENTOR
Join Groundbreaker’s global community of mentors. Many members of the CloudFest community have already taken part.
Through 1:1 virtual sessions, mentors share their expertise and expand a Talent’s professional network. Mentoring takes place in English for approximately one hour per week over eight months.
Impact in Numbers
153 Women have participated since 2023
93% Program graduation rate
98% Secure employment within three months
22× Average income increase with their first job