The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Coding for Employment programme is expected to train more than 500 digital ambassadors to lead a peer-to-peer training model set to expand digital skills to more African youth, especially in rural communities with limited internet connectivity
Coding for Employment and its technical partners, Microsoft Philanthropies, will offer the digital ambassadors an intensive three-month programme featuring in-demand skills, such as web design and digital marketing, as well as soft skills such as critical thinking, project management and communication.
At the end of the coursework, AfDB and Microsoft Philanthropies will provide graduates with information and communication technology toolkits and resources so they can offer the same training within their local communities.
Coding for Employment online platforms and in-person classes offer these technical courses for free. The programme recently hit a 130,000-enrollment milestone among young people across Africa on its eLearning and Digital Nigeria platforms.
“It is very important that we build upon the success of the Coding for Employment programme to take digital literacy to the grassroots. The community-based model will ensure that the youth in rural areas are digitally empowered, which further affirms the Bank’s commitment to raising the next generation of digitally enabled youth and women on the continent,” said Martha Phiri, director of AfDB’s human capital, youth and skills development department.
Applicants, aged between 18 and 35 years, are expected to be proficient in English or French and must be citizens of Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria or Senegal.
“Today’s youth are our future leaders and entrepreneurs, which is why it is so critical that we empower them with the digital skills they need to contribute meaningfully to the global digital economy. Microsoft is honored to be partnering with the AfDB on its incredible Coding for Employment programme,” said Ghada Khalifa, regional director for Microsoft Philanthropies, Middle East and Africa.
