WeThinkCode_ launches free AI course

If you’ve been feeling like AI is everywhere right now, but mostly in conversations meant for developers, here’s some refreshing news.

WeThinkCode_, Africa’s well-known tuition-free tech academy, has just launched a brand-new Generative AI short course designed specifically for non-technical professionals. In other words: no coding required.

And yes, it’s completely free.

AI Skills Without the Tech Jargon

The new 40-hour programme is built for people working in HR, healthcare, marketing, finance, education, and other professional sectors who want to use AI tools confidently but don’t necessarily want to become software engineers.

WeThinkCode_ has already been training 6,000 developers through its technical AI track. This new non-technical stream recognises something important: AI isn’t just for coders anymore. It’s becoming part of everyday work.

The course forms part of a broader AI training initiative backed by a grant from Google.org, with the ambitious goal of equipping 12,000 young people in South Africa and Kenya with essential AI skills.

And the focus here isn’t hype; it’s practical literacy.

What You Actually Learn in 40 Hours

Delivered over two weeks, the course teaches professionals how to use generative AI tools for:

• Writing and content creation
• Research and summarisation
• Data analysis
• Problem-solving
• Professional communication

There’s no requirement for a technical background. If you’re comfortable using tools like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace and have a reliable internet connection, you’re ready.

According to Crosby Hunda, Senior AI Project Manager at WeThinkCode_, the curriculum places strong emphasis on:

• Ethics
• Data privacy
• Secure AI usage
• Responsible implementation

That means it’s not just about learning how to prompt ChatGPT; it’s about understanding when, why, and how to use AI safely in professional environments.

Ten Modules, Step by Step

The curriculum is broken into ten practical modules designed to build confidence gradually.

Early modules introduce:

• What generative AI actually is
• How prompting works
• Choosing the right AI tool for the job
• Fact-checking AI outputs
• Professional AI communication
• Later modules expand into:
• Research and analytical thinking
• Workflow integration
• Responsible AI use
• Team collaboration using AI
• Ethical considerations

Each section includes hands-on assessments, so participants aren’t just reading about AI, they’re actively using it in real-world scenarios.

Those who complete the programme receive a WeThinkCode_ certificate of completion.

Why This Matters Right Now

AI is moving quickly into workplaces across industries. But there’s a growing gap between the people building AI systems and the professionals expected to use them responsibly.

This course aims to close that gap. Rather than positioning AI as a job replacement tool, WeThinkCode_ frames AI literacy as a way to enhance work, automating routine tasks so professionals can focus on higher-level thinking and strategy.

In Hunda’s words, the goal is to build “confidence, not just competence.”

A Focus on Access and Inclusion

True to its mission of democratising digital skills, WeThinkCode_ has set a target for 50% female participation and prioritises youth from low-income communities. Importantly, the course is free. That removes one of the biggest barriers to digital upskilling: cost.

The initiative also positions the academy as a key partner for corporates and public sector departments looking to roll out credible AI literacy training in an inclusive way.

The Google.org Partnership

The broader AI training initiative is supported by Google.org, which is investing in closing Africa’s digital skills gap. Haviva Kohl, Senior Program Manager at Google.org, notes that the programme aligns with Google’s commitment to responsible AI development and equitable access to technology.

In short, this isn’t just another online course; it’s part of a larger push to prepare Africa’s workforce for an AI-enabled future.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been curious about AI but unsure where to start, and especially if you don’t want to dive into code, this course feels like a practical, accessible entry point.

Forty hours. Two weeks. No technical background required. Free to join. That’s a compelling proposition in a world where AI literacy is quickly becoming as essential as email skills once were.

You can find more details and sign up here: WeThinkCode South Africa