In many parts of Africa, brilliant minds are held back not by a lack of ambition but by a lack of tools. A laptop, often taken for granted elsewhere, remains a luxury for thousands of aspiring developers, designers, analysts, and tech innovators. Yet, with the right support, these same individuals could lead the future of tech.
That’s where a Laptop Grant comes in.More than just a device, each laptop we provide is a launchpad giving recipients access to online courses, career development opportunities, mentorship, and job application support. It’s the difference between being left behind and being ready to lead.
Take Raymond, for example.
In 2021, Raymond received a laptop through the DTFS Laptop Grant. At
the time, he was eager to learn but stuck unable to participate
fully in an edtech course due to lack of access. With the laptop
came learning. With learning came skill. And by early 2024, Raymond
landed a role in tech, changing the course of his life, not because
he got lucky, but because he got the support he needed.
“Without that laptop, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It was the
spark I needed to take off.” —
Raymond, DTFS Grant Recipient
Seeing stories like Raymond’s is what keeps us going. The fulfillment we feel when someone prospers that’s what drives DTFS forward. Because we don’t just fund dreams we help make them real.
It becomes really pertinent to note that Our Laptop Grant is designed to support highly motivated individuals who are already taking bold steps toward a tech career even without the right resources.
🎯 Who Is Eligible?
We’re looking for individuals who:
- Have a clear passion for learning and growing in the tech space
- Can demonstrate progress made without a laptop — for example, learning on a phone or borrowed device
- Have saved a small amount toward a laptop, showing intentionality and commitment
- Are enrolled in or preparing to join an edtech course, bootcamp, or online program
- Can provide at least one person who can vouch for them , a mentor, tutor, peer, or community leader
- Are willing to undergo a review and selection process that identifies readiness, drive, and growth potential
This grant is not just about equipment, it's about recognizing drive and removing barriers for those already doing their best with the little they have.
Take Praise , for example.
In 2022, She was learning on her phone, doing late-night lessons,
posting her minor achievements on twitter , struggling with
visibility, juggling data costs, but still pushing forward. She
applied for the Laptop Grant, was selected, and in two years, She
landed a full-time role. The laptop didn’t make her brilliant, it
simply unlocked what was already there.
“I was doing the work before. But when I got the laptop,
everything changed. It was my turning point.” —
Praise
That’s what DTFS believes in: backing those who are already moving, even if they’re crawling. If you have the fire, we’ll help you fuel it. The impact of every laptop we give is real, and we’re proud to stand behind the next wave of changemakers.