Free Online Courses with Certification for Ethiopians in 2025

So, 2024 is officially in the rearview mirror! Time to buckle up and get ready to write a fresh new chapter. If you're feeling the urge to level up and expand your horizons this year you're in the right place.

Whether you're dreaming of a side hustle, a career change, or simply a thirst for learning, we’ve curated a list of free training sites that could be your golden ticket.

From coding to graphic design, many platforms offer high-quality courses with certificates, and the best part is that many of them are free or offer free options for those on a budget. Here’s a roundup of some of the online learning platforms, both international and local, that you can use to develop new skills and earn certifications in 2025.

Coursera

Coursera is one of the most popular online learning platforms, offering access to a wide range of free and paid courses. The platform collaborates with universities and organizations worldwide, including top universities like Stanford, Yale, and Google, to offer courses in a variety of subjects. Some of the most popular topics include coding, graphic design, data science, business, and marketing. Coursera’s flexibility allows you to learn at your own pace, making it ideal for busy individuals.

Udemy

Udemy is another great option for self-paced online learning. It offers thousands of free and paid courses in a wide range of fields, from coding and graphic design to digital marketing and personal development. Udemy’s platform allows learners to access video lectures, assignments, and quizzes, providing an interactive learning experience.

OpenLearn

The Open University's OpenLearn platform provides a vast selection of free courses spanning various disciplines, including science, technology, art, and history. It caters to diverse learners by offering high-quality educational materials. Moreover, most courses on OpenLearn include free certificates upon completion, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking to enhance their professional profiles.

5 Million Ethiopian Coders

This ambitious initiative launched in July 2024, by Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed, aims to train five million Ethiopians with skills needed for the tech industry.

The 5 million Ethiopian Coders project offers three courses: Programming Fundamentals, Data Science Fundamentals, and Android Kotlin Developer. Participants will undergo six to seven weeks of training. The courses will be provided for free on Udacity, a US-based online learning platform that focuses on technology and career development, offering nanodegree programs and courses in areas such as data science, AI, and software engineering.

Muyalogy

Muyalogy is a local Ethiopian online learning platform that offers online courses in Amharic. It was founded in 2022 and has quickly gained popularity, surpassing 55,000 users. Muyalogy aims to provide accessible and affordable education to individuals in Ethiopia who may not have access to traditional educational resources.

Google Digital Garage

Google Digital Garage offers free online courses on topics related to digital marketing, career development, and data analytics. The courses are designed for beginners and experts alike and provide practical skills that can be used in the real world. Google’s digital skills platform offers certifications from one of the most recognized names in the tech industry, which can give you a competitive edge in the job market.

edX

Created by Harvard University and MIT, edX collaborates with universities and organizations worldwide to provide high-quality education. While most courses are free, learners have the option to purchase certificates to showcase their achievements. Many of the courses are designed in partnership with prestigious universities, making them an excellent choice for those seeking academic rigor.

ALX

ALX is an online learning platform designed to help young professionals in Africa, including Ethiopia, develop job-ready skills in areas like software development, data science, business, and leadership. Known for its hands-on approach, ALX offers courses with mentorship, real-world projects, and job placement support. ALX provides an excellent opportunity for Ethiopian learners to gain practical skills and access global job markets.