.
Nigerian fintech company Cardtonic has unveiled the fourth edition of its flagship Upskill initiative, broadening the programme to include participants from Ghana for the first time as it seeks to equip more young Africans with the tools and training needed to build careers in technology and the creative industry.
The 2026 edition, Upskill 4.0, will provide 25 MacBook laptops to outstanding tech and creative professionals, while also awarding 20 fully funded tech scholarships through AltSchool Africa, each accompanied by ₦250,000 in financial support to help recipients kick-start their learning journey.
Programme Expands Beyond Nigeria
Since its launch in 2022, Upskill has focused on supporting promising Nigerian tech talent by providing essential tools for career development. This year’s edition marks a significant milestone with the inclusion of Ghanaian applicants, reflecting Cardtonic’s broader ambition to nurture digital talent across West Africa.
According to the company, the initiative is designed to remove barriers that prevent many young innovators from accessing quality learning opportunities and professional equipment needed to compete in today’s technology-driven economy.
Two Participation Tracks Introduced
Cardtonic has structured Upskill 4.0 into two separate tracks to accommodate participants at different stages of their careers.
The MacBook Track targets individuals with demonstrable experience or portfolios in fields such as software engineering, product design, product management, data science and AI engineering, cybersecurity, and content creation. Successful applicants will receive one of 25 MacBooks to support their work and professional growth.
The Scholarship Track, on the other hand, is aimed at beginners looking to build careers in technology. Twenty selected participants will receive fully sponsored diploma scholarships through AltSchool Africa, alongside ₦250,000 to help cover learning-related expenses.
Eligibility and Application Timeline
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be under 30 years old.
- Be citizens of Nigeria or Ghana.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in technology or digital content creation.
- Present a relevant portfolio for the MacBook category where applicable.
Applications opened on July 28, 2026, and will close on August 28, 2026.
Following the application period, shortlisted candidates will undergo reviews, assessments and interviews before winners are announced in early October. A prize presentation ceremony is scheduled for October 10, 2026.
Building Africa’s Next Generation of Innovators
Cardtonic said Upskill was created as part of its commitment to giving back to the technology ecosystem that has contributed to the company’s own growth.
Rather than simply distributing laptops, the initiative is intended to provide young innovators with practical resources that can accelerate their careers and unlock new opportunities in the digital economy.
The company believes that equipping talented individuals with the right devices and quality education can have a long-term impact on Africa’s growing technology ecosystem by producing more skilled developers, designers, cybersecurity professionals and digital creators.
Supporting Africa’s Digital Future
The launch comes as demand for technology skills continues to rise across Africa, driven by rapid growth in fintech, artificial intelligence, software development and digital services.
Corporate-led initiatives such as Upskill are increasingly complementing formal education by providing practical support for aspiring professionals seeking to enter the technology industry.
For Cardtonic, the expansion of the programme into Ghana represents more than a regional rollout. It signals the company’s growing investment in developing a pipeline of skilled digital talent capable of contributing to Africa’s innovation economy for years to come.
