Africa Technical Apprenticeship Network (ATAN)
Africa Technical Apprenticeship Network (ATAN) is a youth employment initiative that connects recent university and technical graduates to work-based learning opportunities with small and growing businesses (SGBs) across Africa. ATAN operates a low-cost, demand-driven apprenticeship model that supports employers with access to entry-level talent, while enabling young people to build experience, professional skills, and pathways to long-term employment. By solving for job-readiness gaps, placement inefficiencies, and SME hiring constraints, ATAN aims to shift how early-career employment systems work in African markets—starting in Kenya and Ghana.
GDI’s role
GDI is incubating ATAN through its full suite of platform services, including strategy design, program implementation, hiring, fundraising, and partnerships. As lead incubator, GDI is piloting the initiative in Kenya and Ghana over an 18-month design phase, with a focus on validating demand-side SME hiring needs, improving apprentice readiness and retention, and co-creating scalable systems with university and ecosystem partners. GDI is also supporting the transition of ATAN to an independent entity positioned for growth and long-term sustainability.
