Forward in Africa

Ready to advance your career? Take a step Forward.

Forward is a free, ten-week online learning program offered by McKinsey to equip individuals at different stages of their work life with practical skills to succeed in the future of work.

What you can expect

Whether you are in the early days of your career or navigating a new opportunity, the Forward learning journey will help you develop new ways of thinking, expand your skill set, and boost your confidence.

At the end of the program, you will receive a McKinsey Forward digital badge and join an exclusive global network of lifelong learners.

Interactive learning journey

Variety of formats: digital courses, virtual-learning events, assignments, and reflection exercises
Dedicating about two hours a week over ten weeks

Workplace skills you can use immediately

Gain the skills and tools to do the following:

Turn business problems into opportunities by using structured and creative thinking.
Communicate in a clear and impactful way that makes your audience take action.
Be adaptable and build emotional awareness for working in a team or alone, especially in times of change.
Build strong relationships and maintain your well-being at work.
Develop your digital tool kit and plan to navigate the modern digital world.

Eligibility criteria

To access Forward, you must meet the following criteria:

currently reside on the African continent (all countries)
are currently employed, self-employed, or between jobs
have less than five years of total work experience
or
have more than five years of work experience but have never been responsible for directly managing any colleagues
completed at least a secondary education / high school degree
have a good command of the English language (the program will be conducted in English)

Mark your growth

Earn the McKinsey Forward badge

Participants who complete the Foundation and Advanced levels will earn a personalized digital badge, which is shareable across social media and other digital channels.

What Forward alumni are saying

Meet Kalada

Kalada, a Forward alumnus from Nigeria, conquered the uncertainty he felt as a fresh graduate through the McKinsey Forward program. In less than a year, he made a big jump in his career trajectory. Kalada is now also an active member of the Forward alumni community, volunteering his time to pay it forward to new program learners.

Meet Portia

Portia is an inspiring young professional from South Africa. During her search for purpose and new career possibilities, she found Forward, which added structure to her transformation and gave her a tool kit of practical skills for any career path. A gifted speaker, Portia has volunteered her time to host several welcome webinars for new Forward learners.