As the United Kingdom faces a digital skills gap, particularly among children from under-represented communities, Nigerian-born technology expert Wale Atekoja is taking steps to change this narrative, especially for black children across the UK and Europe.

Atekoja, a Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning engineer with over 16 years of experience in technology, is dedicated to equipping the next generation with essential digital skills that will prepare them for the future.

Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Innovators

Atekoja is the CEO of Boardelesstek Limited, a UK-based technology company, and the founder of Black Kids Coding, an educational initiative aimed at teaching children coding, software development, AI, and other vital tech skills. His program focuses on transforming young people into creators of technology, rather than just passive consumers.

He shared, “Technology has always been part of my life. Both my parents were software developers. Growing up in that environment shaped my way of thinking and problem-solving. It also inspired me to teach children skills that truly prepare them for the future.”

A Shift Toward Empowerment

While the first decade of his career was dedicated to mastering software development and enterprise systems, Atekoja spent the last 10 years focusing on entrepreneurship and capacity building. This shift in focus made him realize that technology’s greatest impact comes from empowering people.

Through Black Kids Coding, Atekoja works with black families in the UK and Europe to ensure their children are exposed to digital education early. He believes this early exposure is crucial for building confidence, critical thinking skills, and long-term opportunities.

“When children start learning tech early, it can change their life trajectory,” he said. “I want them to see that they can create, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the digital world.”

Significant Impact in Less Than Two Years

Since its launch, Black Kids Coding has trained over 100 children in less than two years, with plans to expand the program further. Atekoja’s initiative is gaining traction, as it aims to provide black children with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

A Call for African Diaspora Support

Atekoja also urged Africans in the diaspora to leverage the skills and business experience they developed back home while adapting to the realities of operating abroad. As he put it, “As a 40-year-old, giving back is not optional—it is essential. Every child we train is an investment in the future, not just for them, but for society as a whole. Value creation is not only about profits; it is about impact.”

Through his work, Atekoja is not only helping to bridge the digital divide but is also empowering the next generation of innovators to make their mark on the world.