Computer Basics (opens on GCFGlobal)
Plain-language lessons on what a computer is, how to use the mouse and keyboard, files, programs and staying safe. A good first stop for absolute beginners.
- Computer basics
- Self-paced
- No certificate
LAF Academy
Free courses from other platforms
A hand-picked list of free courses from well-known learning platforms, grouped by topic and level. Start with a beginner course, then move up.
These courses are run by their own providers on their own websites. Lumina Africa Foundation does not run them and cannot promise their content, prices or certificates: free access and certificate rules are set by each provider and can change. Never pay anyone to give you access to a free course.
106 courses from 59 platforms
Beginner No experience needed · 68
Grow with Google: digital skills (opens on Google)
A hub of free training, tools and certificates from Google for jobs, small businesses and everyday digital skills.
- Digital careers
- Self-paced
- Some programmes offer certificates
Microsoft Learn (opens on Microsoft)
Free interactive learning paths from Microsoft on Office, Windows, Azure, Power BI and more, with sandboxes to practise in.
- Office and productivity
- Self-paced
- Badges and optional paid exams
Google IT Support Professional Certificate (opens on Coursera)
A beginner path into IT support: computers, networks, operating systems, system administration and security. Designed for people with no experience.
- Maintenance and networks
- About 6 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (opens on Coursera)
Learn the data analyst workflow: asking questions, cleaning data, spreadsheets, SQL, R and dashboards.
- Data and databases
- About 6 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Learning How to Learn (opens on Coursera)
Evidence-based study techniques for mastering hard subjects, from memory and focus to beating procrastination. Useful before any online course.
- Digital careers
- About 15 hours
- Paid certificate
IBM SkillsBuild (opens on IBM)
Free learning for students, job seekers and educators in IT, data, cybersecurity, AI and workplace skills, with digital credentials.
- Digital careers
- Self-paced
- Free digital credentials
HubSpot Academy (opens on HubSpot Academy)
Free video courses and certifications on digital marketing, SEO, content, social media, e-mail and sales.
- Digital marketing
- Self-paced
- Free certification
freeCodeCamp learning curriculum (opens on freeCodeCamp)
A free, project-based curriculum covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, databases and more, with certifications you earn by building projects.
- Web development
- Self-paced
- Free certifications
CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science (opens on Harvard CS50)
Harvard's famous introduction to computer science and programming, taught in C, Python, SQL and web technologies. Free to take.
- Programming
- 10-12 weeks
- Free certificate available
Elements of AI (opens on Elements of AI)
A free course from the University of Helsinki that explains what AI is and is not, with no programming needed.
- Artificial intelligence
- About 30 hours
- Free certificate
Networking Academy: free courses (opens on Cisco Networking Academy)
Free self-paced courses on networking, cybersecurity, IT and programming from Cisco, with badges and certificates of completion.
- Maintenance and networks
- Self-paced
- Free badges and completion certificates
Google Digital Skills for Africa (opens on Google)
Free digital skills training from Google made for learners in Africa: digital marketing, careers, productivity and more.
- Digital careers
- Self-paced
- Free certificates
Word (opens on GCFGlobal)
Step-by-step Microsoft Word lessons: typing, formatting, pictures, tables, page layout and printing.
- Office and productivity
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Excel (opens on GCFGlobal)
Learn spreadsheets from scratch: cells, formulas, functions, charts and sorting data.
- Office and productivity
- Self-paced
- No certificate
PowerPoint (opens on GCFGlobal)
Create slides, add pictures and animation and present with confidence.
- Office and productivity
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Northstar Digital Literacy (opens on Northstar)
Free assessments and practice modules for basic computer, internet, e-mail and social-media skills.
- Computer basics
- Self-paced
- Certificate on passing an assessment
Typing.com (opens on Typing.com)
Free typing lessons and games that build speed and accuracy, with progress tracking.
- Computer basics
- Self-paced
- Free certificate of completion
Keybr: touch typing (opens on Keybr)
An adaptive typing trainer that focuses on the letters you find hardest.
- Computer basics
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Be Internet Awesome (opens on Google)
Games and lessons on staying safe and kind online: passwords, scams, sharing and respect.
- Online safety
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Google Project Management Professional Certificate (opens on Coursera)
Plan, run and close projects using traditional and agile methods, with practice documents you can reuse.
- Business and e-commerce
- About 6 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce Professional Certificate (opens on Coursera)
Build skills in search, social media, e-mail marketing, analytics and running an online store.
- Digital marketing
- About 6 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Google UX Design Professional Certificate (opens on Coursera)
Learn user research, wireframes, prototypes and testing, and build a portfolio of design projects.
- Design and social media
- About 6 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (opens on Coursera)
An entry-level path into cybersecurity: risks, networks, Linux, SQL, Python and incident response.
- Online safety
- About 6 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Alison free online courses (opens on Alison)
A large library of free courses in IT, business and skills. Learning is free; a printed certificate or diploma is paid.
- Computer basics
- Self-paced
- Paid certificate
FutureLearn short courses (opens on FutureLearn)
Courses from universities and organisations on digital skills, technology and business. Free access is time-limited; upgrades are paid.
- Computer basics
- Self-paced
- Paid certificate
Saylor Academy (opens on Saylor Academy)
Free, self-paced college-level courses in computer science, business and more, with free certificates of completion.
- Computer basics
- Self-paced
- Free certificate
Learn web development (opens on MDN Web Docs)
The reference guide from the makers of Firefox, with beginner pathways in HTML, CSS and JavaScript and accessibility.
- Web development
- Self-paced
- No certificate
CS50P: Introduction to Programming with Python (opens on Harvard CS50)
A gentle, rigorous Python course with problem sets and a final project. No prior experience needed.
- Programming
- 10 weeks
- Free certificate available
CS50 Scratch (opens on Harvard CS50)
A friendly introduction to programming using Scratch, for beginners of any age.
- Programming
- 4 weeks
- Free certificate available
Computer programming (opens on Khan Academy)
Interactive lessons in JavaScript, HTML, CSS and SQL with instant feedback and projects.
- Programming
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Computer science (opens on Khan Academy)
Algorithms, the internet, cryptography and how computers work, explained with videos and exercises.
- Programming
- Self-paced
- No certificate
The Python Tutorial (opens on Python.org)
The official guided tour of Python from the language's own documentation. Best once you have written a few small programs.
- Programming
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Kaggle Learn: Python (opens on Kaggle)
Short, hands-on Python lessons that run in your browser, built for people heading into data science.
- Programming
- About 5 hours
- Free certificate
Kaggle Learn: Intro to SQL (opens on Kaggle)
Learn to query databases with SQL using real datasets, step by step.
- Data and databases
- About 3 hours
- Free certificate
HTML Tutorial (opens on W3Schools)
Short lessons with try-it-yourself editors for learning HTML, from first tags to forms.
- Web development
- Self-paced
- Paid certificates only
CSS Tutorial (opens on W3Schools)
Learn to style web pages with CSS using examples you can edit and run in the browser.
- Web development
- Self-paced
- Paid certificates only
SQL Tutorial (opens on W3Schools)
Learn SQL commands with an in-browser editor and sample database.
- Data and databases
- Self-paced
- Paid certificates only
Scratch (opens on Scratch)
A free block-based programming language and community where beginners make games, stories and animations.
- Programming
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Code.org courses (opens on Code.org)
Free coding lessons for learners of all ages, with games and activities that teach programming ideas.
- Programming
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Web Development for Beginners (opens on Microsoft)
A free 24-lesson curriculum from Microsoft that teaches JavaScript, CSS and HTML through projects.
- Web development
- 12 weeks
- No certificate
Data Science for Beginners (opens on Microsoft)
A free curriculum with quizzes and projects introducing data, Python and the data science process.
- Data and databases
- 10 weeks
- No certificate
GitHub Skills (opens on GitHub)
Short interactive courses inside GitHub on Git, pull requests, Actions and Pages. You learn by doing real tasks.
- Web development
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Learn WordPress (opens on WordPress)
Free official tutorials, courses and workshops for building and managing WordPress websites.
- Web development
- Self-paced
- No certificate
SQLBolt: Learn SQL with simple, interactive exercises (opens on SQLBolt)
Short interactive lessons that teach SQL one idea at a time, right in your browser.
- Data and databases
- A few hours
- No certificate
SQLZoo (opens on SQLZoo)
Practise SQL queries against sample databases with instant results.
- Data and databases
- Self-paced
- No certificate
AI for Everyone (opens on Coursera)
A non-technical introduction to AI for workplaces and communities, taught by Andrew Ng.
- Artificial intelligence
- About 6 hours
- Paid certificate
Google AI Essentials (opens on Google)
Practical AI skills for work: using AI tools responsibly to save time and be more creative.
- Artificial intelligence
- About 10 hours
- Paid certificate
Python for Everybody Specialization (opens on Coursera)
A popular beginner Python path from the University of Michigan covering programming, data structures, web data and databases.
- Programming
- About 8 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
OpenLearn: free courses (opens on Open University)
Free courses and statements of participation from The Open University on computing, ICT, business and study skills.
- Computer basics
- Self-paced
- Free statement of participation
Cloudflare Learning Center (opens on Cloudflare)
Clear explanations of how the internet, DNS, security, CDNs and web performance work.
- Cloud and systems
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Introduction to Linux (edX) (opens on Linux Foundation)
Learn Linux from the ground up: the command line, files, permissions and system tools.
- Cloud and systems
- About 14 weeks
- Paid certificate
Linux Journey (opens on Linux Journey)
A free, friendly set of lessons that takes you from your first command to running a Linux system.
- Cloud and systems
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Trailhead (opens on Salesforce)
Gamified, free training on business software, cloud skills and careers, with badges you earn.
- Business and e-commerce
- Self-paced
- Free badges
Introduction to Cybersecurity (opens on Cisco Networking Academy)
A short introduction to cybersecurity, cyber threats and how to protect yourself and organisations.
- Online safety
- About 6 hours
- Free badge and certificate
IT Essentials (opens on Cisco Networking Academy)
Computer hardware and software, building and fixing PCs, mobile devices and basic networking and security.
- Maintenance and networks
- About 70 hours
- Free badge and certificate
TryHackMe: learn cybersecurity (opens on TryHackMe)
Guided, hands-on cybersecurity rooms in a safe practice environment. Many beginner rooms are free.
- Online safety
- Self-paced
- Free badges; paid plans exist
Digital Marketing course (opens on HubSpot Academy)
A free certification covering the main digital marketing channels and how to measure results.
- Digital marketing
- About 4 hours
- Free certification
Content Marketing course (opens on HubSpot Academy)
Plan, create and promote content that attracts the right audience.
- Digital marketing
- About 4 hours
- Free certification
Social Media Marketing course (opens on HubSpot Academy)
Build a social media strategy, create posts and measure what works.
- Digital marketing
- About 4 hours
- Free certification
Email Marketing course (opens on HubSpot Academy)
Write e-mails people open, build lists with consent and track results.
- Digital marketing
- About 3 hours
- Free certification
Google Search Central: SEO starter guide (opens on Google)
Google's own plain guide to helping your website appear in search results.
- Digital marketing
- About 1 hour
- No certificate
The Beginner's Guide to SEO (opens on Moz)
A well-known chapter-by-chapter introduction to how search engine optimisation works.
- Digital marketing
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Canva Design School (opens on Canva)
Free tutorials and courses on graphic design, social media graphics, branding and video using Canva.
- Design and social media
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Shotcut video editor tutorials (opens on Shotcut)
Short tutorials for the free Shotcut video editor: cutting, titles, filters and exporting.
- Design and social media
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Agile Coach (opens on Atlassian)
Clear guides to agile, Scrum and Kanban for planning and running projects with a team.
- Business and e-commerce
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Shopify Learn (opens on Shopify)
Free guides and courses on starting, marketing and running an online business.
- Business and e-commerce
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Introduction to Project Management (Google, Foundations) (opens on Coursera)
The first course of the Google Project Management path: roles, life cycle and the basics of planning.
- Business and e-commerce
- About 6 hours
- Paid certificate
Intermediate You can already use a computer and know the basics · 30
AWS Skill Builder (opens on AWS)
Free digital courses on cloud computing fundamentals and Amazon Web Services, including exam preparation.
- Cloud and systems
- Self-paced
- Digital badges
The Odin Project (opens on The Odin Project)
A free, open-source full-stack web development path using real tools and projects, supported by a community.
- Web development
- Months, self-paced
- No certificate
CS50W: Web Programming with Python and JavaScript (opens on Harvard CS50)
Build web apps with Django, JavaScript, SQL and Git, with projects on testing, security and scalability.
- Web development
- 12 weeks
- Free certificate available
CS50 SQL: Introduction to Databases with SQL (opens on Harvard CS50)
Learn to design databases and query them with SQL, using SQLite and other systems.
- Data and databases
- 7 weeks
- Free certificate available
CS50 Cybersecurity (opens on Harvard CS50)
Understand how to protect yourself and organisations online: passwords, networks, malware and secure software.
- Online safety
- 5 weeks
- Free certificate available
Kaggle Learn: Pandas (opens on Kaggle)
Practical pandas for data analysis: indexing, grouping, cleaning and combining data, with exercises in a notebook.
- Data and databases
- About 4 hours
- Free certificate
Kaggle Learn: Data Visualization (opens on Kaggle)
Turn data into clear charts with Python so your results are easy to understand.
- Data and databases
- About 4 hours
- Free certificate
JavaScript Tutorial (opens on W3Schools)
Beginner-friendly JavaScript lessons with live examples, covering variables, functions, the DOM and events.
- Web development
- Self-paced
- Paid certificates only
Learn Git Branching (opens on Learn Git Branching)
A visual, interactive game that teaches Git commands and branching.
- Web development
- A few hours
- No certificate
Mode SQL Tutorial (opens on Mode)
SQL for data analysis, from basics to joins and window functions, using real datasets.
- Data and databases
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Generative AI for Beginners (opens on Microsoft)
Free lessons with code samples on building applications with generative AI.
- Artificial intelligence
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Machine Learning for Beginners (opens on Microsoft)
A free 26-lesson curriculum on classic machine learning with Python, quizzes and projects.
- Artificial intelligence
- 12 weeks
- No certificate
DeepLearning.AI short courses (opens on DeepLearning.AI)
Short, practical courses on working with large language models and AI tools, taught with experts from industry.
- Artificial intelligence
- 1-2 hours each
- No certificate
Power BI learning paths (opens on Microsoft)
Free Microsoft training on connecting data, building reports and dashboards, and sharing insight with Power BI.
- Data and databases
- Self-paced
- Badges and optional paid exams
Excel Skills for Business (opens on Coursera)
Four courses from Macquarie University, from essentials to advanced Excel and automation.
- Office and productivity
- About 6 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Google Cloud Skills Boost (opens on Google Cloud)
Hands-on labs and learning paths on Google Cloud, with a free tier of content.
- Cloud and systems
- Self-paced
- Skill badges
Azure Fundamentals learning path (opens on Microsoft)
Free Microsoft Learn path on cloud concepts and Azure services, preparing you for the optional AZ-900 exam.
- Cloud and systems
- Self-paced
- Badge; exam is paid
Oracle Academy (opens on Oracle Academy)
Free resources for learning databases, Java and computer science, available to educators and students.
- Data and databases
- Self-paced
- Digital badges
Networking Essentials (opens on Cisco Networking Academy)
Learn how networks work: cabling, IP addressing, routing, Wi-Fi and troubleshooting, with hands-on practice.
- Maintenance and networks
- About 70 hours
- Free badge and certificate
Hack The Box Academy (opens on Hack The Box)
Structured cybersecurity modules with interactive labs. Some modules are free; the rest need a paid plan.
- Online safety
- Self-paced
- Badges
OverTheWire wargames (opens on OverTheWire)
Free command-line and security puzzles that teach Linux and security basics in a legal practice setting.
- Online safety
- Self-paced
- No certificate
SEO training (opens on HubSpot Academy)
Learn how search engines rank pages and how to plan, write and measure content for search.
- Digital marketing
- About 3 hours
- Free certification
Google Skillshop (opens on Google)
Free training and certifications for Google Ads, Analytics and other Google products.
- Digital marketing
- Self-paced
- Free certifications
Semrush Academy (opens on Semrush)
Free courses on SEO, content, social media and advertising with certificates.
- Digital marketing
- Self-paced
- Free certificates
GIMP tutorials (opens on GIMP)
Official tutorials for editing photos and creating graphics with the free GIMP image editor.
- Design and social media
- Self-paced
- No certificate
DaVinci Resolve training (opens on Blackmagic Design)
Free official training for the DaVinci Resolve video editor, from first cuts to colour and sound.
- Design and social media
- Self-paced
- No certificate
The Scrum Guide (opens on Scrum.org)
The short, official definition of the Scrum framework for delivering complex work.
- Business and e-commerce
- 1 hour
- No certificate
ALX Africa (opens on ALX Africa)
An African tech and leadership learning community offering programmes in software engineering, data and professional skills; some are free by selection.
- Digital careers
- Programmes of several months
- Programme certificates
Andela Learning Community (opens on Andela)
Andela connects African tech talent to global employers and shares learning resources and programmes.
- Digital careers
- Programmes
- Varies
Huawei ICT Academy and talent learning (opens on Huawei)
Free learning resources on networking, cloud and AI from Huawei, with optional paid certification.
- Maintenance and networks
- Self-paced
- Paid certification
Advanced For learners comfortable with the intermediate skills · 8
CS50 Artificial Intelligence with Python (opens on Harvard CS50)
Explore the ideas behind modern AI: search, knowledge, optimisation, machine learning and language, with Python projects.
- Artificial intelligence
- 7 weeks
- Free certificate available
Kaggle Learn: Intro to Machine Learning (opens on Kaggle)
Build your first machine-learning models in Python and learn how to check whether they work.
- Artificial intelligence
- About 3 hours
- Free certificate
Machine Learning Specialization (opens on Coursera)
The classic introduction to machine learning with Python by Andrew Ng and Stanford: regression, classification, neural networks and more.
- Artificial intelligence
- About 2 months
- Paid certificate (financial aid available)
Practical Deep Learning for Coders (opens on fast.ai)
A free, hands-on course that teaches deep learning by building real models. Needs Python experience.
- Artificial intelligence
- About 7 weeks
- No certificate
Hugging Face Learn (opens on Hugging Face)
Free courses on language models, transformers and AI agents with hands-on notebooks.
- Artificial intelligence
- Self-paced
- Free certificates for some courses
MIT OpenCourseWare (opens on MIT OpenCourseWare)
Free course materials from MIT: lecture notes, videos and problem sets in computer science, mathematics and engineering.
- Programming
- Self-paced
- No certificate
Stanford Online free courses (opens on Stanford Online)
A catalogue of free Stanford courses in computer science, AI and more.
- Programming
- Self-paced
- Some courses offer paid certificates
OWASP Top 10 (opens on OWASP)
The standard list of the most critical web application security risks, with explanations for developers.
- Online safety
- Self-paced
- No certificate