CTO/05
2026
INTRODUCING THE AYA LEARN MODEL
At the heart of GEM Africa is the Aya Learn Model, a six-phase learning framework developed by Code Cafe AI.
The model guides learners from foundational digital literacy through AI awareness, digital entrepreneurship and ultimately digital sovereignty. Unlike many existing programmes, it is designed from the outset to support African languages rather than treating localisation as an afterthought. The accompanying Aya learning platform provides structured learning pathways, integrated assessments, learner tracking and real-time programme reporting, replacing fragmented delivery methods that often rely on multiple disconnected platforms. Together, the methodology and platform create a scalable model capable of supporting community-based digital literacy programmes across diverse African contexts. GEM Africa will begin with pilots in Lesotho, South Africa, and subsequently Kenya, creating a phased expansion model based on proven country partnerships rather than rapid geographic growth. The initiative is designed to scale across both the Commonwealth, and the wider African continent as new institutional partnerships are established. Its long-term ambition is to build an African-led ecosystem where local institutions deliver digital education through African methodologies, African languages and African-owned digital infrastructure. FROM LESOTHO TO AFRICA
WHY IT MATTERS
Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies at unprecedented speed. Yet many African communities remain excluded from the systems, languages and institutions driving this transformation. For the founders of GEM Africa, digital inclusion is no longer simply about connectivity—it is about participation, ownership and agency. Their vision is one in which African women and young people are equipped not only to use emerging technologies, but also to shape them. AN INVITATION TO COLLABORATE GEM Africa is now engaging governments, development partners, academic institutions and the private sector to expand its reach across the continent. The initiative welcomes collaboration on research, country implementation, investment and knowledge exchange as it works towards a shared goal: ensuring that Africa’s digital future is designed with African voices, institutions and communities at its centre.
About the Authors Mpho Letima is Founder and Executive Director of the Gender Entrepreneurship Empowerment and Media (GEM) Institute, with over fifteen years’ experience in enterprise development, governance and gender-inclusive economic empowerment across Southern Africa. Maletheba Lesa Makoele is a software engineer, AI specialist and Founder of Code Cafe AI. She developed the Aya Learn Model and leads the technical architecture underpinning GEM Africa.
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