WorldQuant University and Sazience launch co-op academy to train Cameroon’s AI talent

Sazience Technology and WorldQuant University have opened the Sazience Academy in Douala to combine online instruction in AI and data science with paid, on-site project experience for selected learners.

Sazience Technology, a Pan-African and Middle Eastern technology consulting firm headquartered in Dubai, has launched the Sazience Academy in Douala, Cameroon, in partnership with WorldQuant University (WQU).

WQU is a not-for-profit institution offering free online programs in advanced technical fields and is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The academy pairs WQU coursework in artificial intelligence, data science, and quantitative finance with practical delivery on Sazience consultancy projects.

The initiative is WQU’s first co-op partnership. Sazience will provide stipends, laptops, workspaces, and mentoring to five participants enrolled in WQU’s Applied Data Science Lab, a 16-week certificate that focuses on hands-on data and machine learning. While studying online, participants will work from Sazience offices and contribute to client engagements.

Supervision and purpose

Participants will be supervised by Joshua Nji, who earned a Master of Science in Financial Engineering from WQU in 2022. “As an alumnus who benefited from WorldQuant University's free programs, I am committed to guiding these learners toward real-world impact,” he says. “This Academy is allowing me to pay it forward, and I appreciate WQU and Sazience providing the connection.”

The inaugural eight-week cohort runs through November 29, 2025 and concludes with a hackathon in collaboration with the MIT African Graduate Association. After completing the Applied Data Science Lab, the five participants are expected to advance to WQU’s accredited Master of Science in Financial Engineering program.

Sazience says the academy is intended to create a steady flow of trained practitioners for local and regional projects. “This initiative positions Sazience as a launchpad for Africa’s brightest minds,” Sazience Executive Chairman Nana Baffour comments. “As we expand and continue Sazience Academy, the result will be a talent pipeline to lead solutions in Cameroon and beyond.”

“This partnership reflects our commitment to equipping professionals with the practical skills necessary to succeed in today’s economy,” WQU’s CEO John Endrud adds. “Our goal is to provide industry-relevant coursework that will help prepare students for the workplace and expand access to opportunities around the world. We believe Sazience Academy aligns perfectly with this mission.”

WQU reports Africa as its largest market, with 10,200 learners across 51 countries. WQU Senior Vice President Gbemi Disu said the alliance could serve as a template for additional partnerships. “Sazience Technology shares our vision and values,” Disu comments. “Many higher education institutions pass over Africa. But we see untapped potential for growth and are excited to create additional programs that support talent development there.”