New Zindi Report Launched at UNGA: 1 in 5 Kenyan Users Find Jobs Through AI Challenges

Zindi, in collaboration with Dalberg Data Insights, the International Centre for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), and the Kenyan Presidency, unveiled their Country-Level Employability Report 2025 for Kenya during the High-Level Side Event on “Empowering Nations for Inclusive Prosperity in the Era of AI” at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. This groundbreaking report reveals that active participation on Zindi—the largest African platform for AI and data science challenges—boosts the employability of young Kenyans, opening up new career opportunities in the rapidly expanding AI sector.

 Key Findings from the Zindi Report

The report, which analyzed the career paths of over 8,000 Zindi users in Kenya, shows that nearly 1 in 5 users (approximately 1,500 individuals) experienced a career shift after engaging with the platform. The most notable career advancements were seen among users who actively participated in Zindi’s AI challenges and learning programs. Key findings include:

• Career Advancement Through Zindi Participation: Active users are four times more likely to secure employment compared to those who participate less frequently.
• Profile Completeness and Career Progression: Over 80% of users with complete profiles advanced in their careers, in stark contrast to only 3% of users with incomplete profiles.
• The Power of Teamwork: Users who collaborated with others in challenges were three times more likely to find job opportunities.
• Learning and Development: Completing just one course on Zindi’s learning platform tripled the likelihood of gaining employment.
• Impact of Multiple Challenges: Participating in four or more challenges significantly improved job prospects for users.

The data suggests that young Kenyans’ employability is increasingly shaped by applied learning and community-driven collaboration, rather than traditional classroom-based education alone. The ability to solve real-world challenges through platforms like Zindi is helping users build the skills necessary to thrive in a globalized AI economy.

 Empowering Kenya’s Youth for Global AI Opportunities

Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS, Special Envoy on Technology for the Republic of Kenya, highlighted the power of platforms like Zindi for youth employability: “Africa is entering the Age of Intelligence with a unique advantage: people. This report makes it clear – Africa’s talent is not waiting to be included, it is already contributing to the global AI economy.”

“I’m proud knowing that today, Africa’s data science and AI talent is a global asset,” added Celina Lee, CEO and co-founder of Zindi. “The evidence is clear: young Kenyans engaging on Zindi are not only gaining skills but also translating them into jobs and livelihoods. Zindi continues to grow and build at the intersection of youth opportunity and global AI capacity-building.”

Dr. Abdulrahman Habib, Director of I Aire, said: “The insights in this report highlight how platforms like Zindi play a vital role in building national AI readiness. Kenya’s experience shows that when young people are trusted with solving real-world challenges, they don’t just strengthen local capacity — they become active contributors to the global innovation ecosystem. This is the kind of inclusive AI development the world needs.”

 Implications for Policymakers and Educators

The Zindi report offers clear insights for policymakers and educators, emphasizing the importance of integrating community-driven, practice-based learning with traditional education systems. By directly linking skills development to employment outcomes, platforms like Zindi highlight how national AI strategies can create tangible opportunities for young people.

In conclusion, Zindi’s Country-Level Employability Report 2025 confirms that Kenya’s youth, when equipped with the right tools and platforms, can drive not only local innovation but also become integral to the global AI economy. This evidence offers a valuable roadmap for other nations seeking to leverage AI to create inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities for young people.

By optimizing your use of data-driven platforms like Zindi, Kenyan youth are positioning themselves as key players in the global AI workforce. Engage in challenges, complete your profiles, collaborate with peers, and build your skills through courses—your next career opportunity might be just one AI challenge away.

About Zindi

Zindi is the largest AI community platform in the developing world, with a growing community of more than 90,000 data scientists and AI practitioners across 185 countries. Founded in 2018, Zindi connects organisations with the brightest minds to solve pressing business, environmental, and social challenges using machine learning and artificial intelligence. Through competitions, hackathons, and projects, Zindi empowers individuals with opportunities to learn, build careers, and create solutions that drive measurable impact in sectors such as agriculture, health, climate, energy, and financial inclusion.

https://zindi.africa

About ICAIRE

The International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) is an international center dedicated to promoting AI research and ethics globally. It is headquartered in Riyadh City, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is designated as a Category Two International Center under the auspices of UNESCO.

ICAIRE contributes to achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligns with the priorities of UNESCO’s programs and the values and principles outlined in UNESCO’s recommendations on AI ethics. This is achieved through international cooperation in coordinating AI research and development activities, raising awareness about AI ethics, fostering and developing AI skills, and providing advisory support on AI policies.

https://www.icaire.org/

About DDI

Dalberg Data Insights (DDI) is a mission-driven AI and data science organization that partners with governments, social enterprises, NGOs, and multilaterals to tackle some of the world’s most urgent development challenges. We design, develop, and scale responsible, context-aware AI and data solutions that empower institutions to make more informed, equitable, and impactful decisions.

Our work spans public health, financial inclusion, climate resilience, agriculture, and education,

with a strong focus on low- and middle-income countries. We help our partners unlock the value of their data, turning it into a strategic asset, and strengthen their capacity to adopt and govern emerging technologies responsibly.

https://dalberg.com/what-we-do/dalberg-data-insights/