GALWAY, IRELAND - 2026-10-12
Alison has reached one million Graduates across Eastern Africa, marking a major step in the region’s use of free online learning to build skills, demonstrate achievement, and move towards better opportunities.
Overcoming Educational Barriers with Flexible, Accessible Education
Across Eastern Africa, Learners are balancing education with work, family responsibilities, changing industries, and uneven access to formal training. Free, self-paced online learning gives people a practical way to keep building capability on their own terms, wherever an internet connection and a suitable device are available.
That flexibility matters in a region where digital access is improving but remains unequal. In the wider Eastern and Southern Africa region, the World Bank reported that only 64 percent of the population was covered by high-speed internet, and just 24 percent was using the internet in 2023. Reaching one million Alison Graduates within that broader context shows the scale of demand for learning that is affordable, adaptable, and available beyond traditional institutions.
Skills Give Learners More Ways to Respond to a Fast-Changing Economy
The economic case for accessible skills development is equally clear. The World Bank estimates that about 8 million young people enter the labour market across Eastern and Southern Africa each year, while fewer than 1 million secure waged jobs. For many people, the ability to learn flexibly, strengthen existing skills, or move into a new field can make the difference between waiting for an opportunity and being ready when it appears.
Alison’s courses allow Learners to build knowledge across areas such as technology, business, healthcare, project management, and workplace skills. Completing a course also gives Learners evidence of progress they can carry into job searches, career changes, entrepreneurship, or further study.
Turning Personal Ambition Into Shared Regional Progress
The one million milestone is significant because it is made up of individual decisions to begin, continue, and complete learning. Each Alison Graduate has followed a personal path, but together they point to a shared regional priority: people want useful skills that benefit their lives and help them act on their ambitions.
As Alison continues to expand access to free learning, this milestone provides a strong foundation for the next wave of Learners across Eastern Africa. It also demonstrates what becomes possible when practical education is open to anyone with the motivation to learn.
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About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered Learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited Learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, Learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
