Nairobi– As the world races to develop artificial intelligence, one European university is quietly helping Africa keep pace one online degree at a time.
The Open Institute of Technology, or OPIT, a Malta-based online University, is making inroads across the continent by offering affordable and internationally recognized tech degrees to African students. From artificial intelligence and data science to cybersecurity and digital business, OPIT’s flexible courses aim to bridge a growing digital skills gap that many fear could leave Africa behind.
“We’re building a curriculum that responds to the world’s most urgent need for tech talent,” said OPIT founder Riccardo Ocleppo in an interview from Milan. “Our students come from 78 countries, but we’re particularly proud of our impact in Africa.”
OPIT, which launched in 2022, runs fully online and offers a model designed to fit around working lives. It’s this structure built on live sessions, self-paced materials, and round-the-clock support that is drawing African professionals eager to upskill without leaving their jobs or homes.
A Digital Degree from Your Desk
Watson Ndethi, a Nairobi-based IT engineer, enrolled in OPIT’s Master’s program in Responsible Artificial Intelligence last September. With more than a decade in the industry, he said OPIT gave him access to the kind of academic quality and global perspective he had long been seeking.
“The live sessions are engaging, and the materials are designed for professionals like me who need to balance work, life, and study,” Ndethi said. “You don’t have to leave your country to get a world-class education.”
He’s part of a growing wave of African students seeking online alternatives as traditional universities struggle to meet demand in tech-related fields.
The African Union recently unveiled its Continental AI Strategy, highlighting the urgent need to build local talent across the continent. The report calls for “home-grown innovation” and accessible education. OPIT’s approach seems well-timed.
A Global Classroom With Local Impact
In March, OPIT held its first graduation ceremony, with 40 graduates from six continents completing the flagship MSc in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. It marked a milestone for the young institution, which now counts more than 300 students across its programmes.
Courses are hands-on, with a focus on real-world challenges. Students work on practical projects, attend masterclasses, and take part in exercises designed to build job-ready skills. A faculty of 45 international professors supports the learning, alongside personalised tutoring.
“We’re not just teaching theory,” said Ocleppo. “We’re preparing people to succeed in a fast-changing job market.”
That market is growing rapidly. According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Future of Work Report, job postings in AI have risen by 38 percent since 2020. What was once a niche skill is now a requirement in everything from finance and cloud computing to healthcare, human resources, and design.
Bridging the Gap, One Student at a Time
For Africa, where millions of young people are entering the workforce each year, the stakes are high. A lack of access to quality, affordable education has long hampered efforts to build a thriving digital economy.
OPIT is one of several new players hoping to change that. By offering European-accredited degrees at a fraction of the cost, it gives students the tools to compete globally without leaving their communities behind.
“This isn’t just about online learning,” said Ndethi. “It’s about creating opportunity where there was none.”
As the world turns to AI and digital innovation to drive the next decade of growth, Africa’s role remains uncertain. But with institutions like OPIT investing in its talent, the continent may yet shape the future on its own terms.
