S3 E1 : Why Teaching Coding Without Computers Could Bridge Africa’s Digital Divide
Mon Feb 02 2026
Unlock how innovative solutions like “Tangible coding”—a program created in South Africa—are transforming digital access for underserved communities worldwide. In a world where technology often seems out of reach for many, this episode reveals a groundbreaking approach that introduces coding concepts without the need for computers or internet, simply using physical puzzle pieces and mobile devices. Jackson Tshabalala shares how this grassroots initiative has empowered over 300,000 learners across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, illustrating that impactful tech solutions start with local context and simple ingenuity.
Discover the strategic importance of localized innovation in Africa’s digital revolution. Jackson breaks down how the Tangible project evolved from an honors thesis at Nelson Mandela University into a global phenomenon—winning awards, forging international partnerships with AWS and UNESCO, and expanding into school and community settings. We explore real metrics: the project’s reach across 12 African countries and continents, and its role in bridging the digital divide where traditional infrastructure fails.
This episode dives into core principles behind sustainable tech education: the role of computational and design thinking, soft skills development, and the power of human-centered AI integration. Jackson sheds light on how AI tools, when paired with community-focused programs, can augment entrepreneurial thinking for small businesses and startups. You’ll learn why understanding local needs and embedding soft skills early creates not just a tech-literate generation but a generation ready to lead Africa’s Fifth Industrial Revolution.
Why does neglecting grassroots digital initiatives risk leaving millions behind? Because true inclusion demands solutions crafted for local realities—solutions like Tangible that resonate, adapt, and scale. This episode is perfect for future-focused entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, and anyone interested in how Africa’s unique context is creating new models of tech innovation and shared value.
Jackson Tshabalala is the Global Engagement Manager at Lever Foundation and an HMI Senior Fellow, recognized among South Africa’s Top 200 Young Leaders in 2023 for his work in youth empowerment through education and social impact initiatives. His journey exemplifies how targeted, locally-led innovation can disrupt global inequalities and drive economic growth—an inspiring blueprint for those shaping Africa’s digital future.
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Unlock how innovative solutions like “Tangible coding”—a program created in South Africa—are transforming digital access for underserved communities worldwide. In a world where technology often seems out of reach for many, this episode reveals a groundbreaking approach that introduces coding concepts without the need for computers or internet, simply using physical puzzle pieces and mobile devices. Jackson Tshabalala shares how this grassroots initiative has empowered over 300,000 learners across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, illustrating that impactful tech solutions start with local context and simple ingenuity. Discover the strategic importance of localized innovation in Africa’s digital revolution. Jackson breaks down how the Tangible project evolved from an honors thesis at Nelson Mandela University into a global phenomenon—winning awards, forging international partnerships with AWS and UNESCO, and expanding into school and community settings. We explore real metrics: the project’s reach across 12 African countries and continents, and its role in bridging the digital divide where traditional infrastructure fails. This episode dives into core principles behind sustainable tech education: the role of computational and design thinking, soft skills development, and the power of human-centered AI integration. Jackson sheds light on how AI tools, when paired with community-focused programs, can augment entrepreneurial thinking for small businesses and startups. You’ll learn why understanding local needs and embedding soft skills early creates not just a tech-literate generation but a generation ready to lead Africa’s Fifth Industrial Revolution. Why does neglecting grassroots digital initiatives risk leaving millions behind? Because true inclusion demands solutions crafted for local realities—solutions like Tangible that resonate, adapt, and scale. This episode is perfect for future-focused entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, and anyone interested in how Africa’s unique context is creating new models of tech innovation and shared value. Jackson Tshabalala is the Global Engagement Manager at Lever Foundation and an HMI Senior Fellow, recognized among South Africa’s Top 200 Young Leaders in 2023 for his work in youth empowerment through education and social impact initiatives. His journey exemplifies how targeted, locally-led innovation can disrupt global inequalities and drive economic growth—an inspiring blueprint for those shaping Africa’s digital future.