KLCI secures N75m credit to launch AI-powered career advisor
The Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative (KLCI) has been selected for the inaugural Amazon Web Services (AWS) Education Equity Initiative, receiving $51,000 (₦75 million) in cloud credits to launch Rafiki AI; Africa’s first generative AI-powered career advisor tailored specifically for underserved and displaced young people. Rafiki AI described as a game-changer was built on […]
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The Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative (KLCI) has been selected for the inaugural Amazon Web Services (AWS) Education Equity Initiative, receiving $51,000 (₦75 million) in cloud credits to launch Rafiki AI; Africa’s first generative AI-powered career advisor tailored specifically for underserved and displaced young people.
Rafiki AI described as a game-changer was built on WhatsApp to ensure broad accessibility and enables young people to design a personalised career pathway plan in as little as one to two minutes, with an intelligent, interactive conversation that lasts up to 24 hours.
Whether they are just starting out or navigating a mid-career pivot, Rafiki delivers real-time, localised, and reflective guidance that meets them where they are, the initiative said in a statement.
Chief Programme Officer, KLCI, Omolola Lipede said, “As Chief Programme Officer at KLCI, I have interacted with Rafiki AI firsthand and it truly lives up to its name—‘Rafiki’ means ‘friend’ in Swahili, and that is exactly what it is: a supportive, intuitive career buddy. It helps young people reflect deeply, ask the right questions, and chart a clear path toward a fulfilling career—within minutes. This is not just a tool; it is a movement.
“Rafiki AI is designed to be fun, engaging, and empowering. It removes barriers to access by being available on WhatsApp; Africa’s most widely used messaging platform, making it, especially accessible for youth in low-connectivity, high-need environments.
“This innovation comes at a time when over one in three African youth are unemployed or underemployed, and career guidance remains a luxury. The mission of KLCI is to democratise access to career development tools and help young people, especially those in vulnerable or displaced settings; design a future that works for them.
“With the backing of AWS, we are not just building technology, we are rewriting the narrative for millions of young Africans. Rafiki AI is a step toward leveling the playing field in career access and empowerment.”