AfDB and Microsoft Launch Employment Coding Program.
The African Development Bank and its technical partner Microsoft selected 500 digital ambassadors from more than 21.000 applications received from across Africa to lead the Job Coding Program peer training model.
The project
The Bank launched 'Coding for Employment' in 2018 to equip young Africans with demand-driven information and communication technology skills to competitively position them for the global labor market.
The program has established information and communication technology centers with partner universities in all countries where it operates and has provided digital skills training to more than 150.000 young people, including 135.000 reached through the distance learning platform 'Coding for Employment' and the Digital platform Nigeria.
The Employment Codification Program is at the heart of the Bank's Employment Strategy for Youth in Africa, which aims to propel African youth onto a path of prosperity.
By 2025, the Youth Employment Strategy in Africa will equip 50 million young people with employable skills and create 25 million jobs in agriculture, information and communication technologies and other key industries across Africa.
“We are delighted with the enthusiasm and passion that candidates have shown for the program.”
“We review all applications to identify candidates whose background and qualifications closely match the selection criteria.”
“The 500 applicants will not only acquire skills that can help them find work, they will also be able to create their own jobs while training others.”
Said Hendrina Doroba, AfDB's Education and Skills Development Manager.
Carelle Laetitia, one of the digital ambassadors, said:
“When I received the selection email, I felt happy and above all proud. I know it was not easy to be selected from hundreds of talented young people.”
“I hope to build a strong network and acquire solid digital skills in order to share them with my community”.
Over the years, AfDB has invested $1,64 billion in programs to prepare young people for careers in science, technology and innovation. The Digital Ambassador Program is aligned with the Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa, and both tie into one of the Bank's five priorities (High 5) – improving the quality of life for people in Africa.
The objective
The African Development Bank's ( AfDB ) Coding for Employment Programme has selected 500 change agents, 45% of whom are women, from four countries for the Digital Ambassadors pilot programme.
The selected digital ambassadors will embark on a three-month course during which they will be equipped with specific digital skills such as software development and soft skills such as problem solving, project management and communication.
They will lead a peer-to-peer training model that seeks to expand digital skills to more young Africans, especially in rural communities with limited internet connectivity.
AfDB and its technical partner, Microsoft, selected the digital ambassadors from over 21.000 applications received from across Africa. For this first edition, 500 digital ambassadors were selected from four countries where the Coding for Employment program is operational: Côte d'Ivoire (75), Kenya (100), Nigeria (150) and Senegal (175) .
“The Digital Ambassador Program has come at the right time as the AfDB is putting the finishing touches to the 2022-2025 Action Plan on Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa”.
“The Action Plan will equip young Africans with the skills that are in high demand, skills that the job market demands.”
"Both will complement each other and create a positive impact on the African workforce and lead to economic transformation."
Said Martha Phiri, AfDB Director for Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development.
Upon graduation, digital ambassadors will receive sets of information and communication technology tools from the Bank and Microsoft so that they can offer the same training within their local communities.
About BAD
The African Development Bank Group is the leading development finance institution in Africa. It includes three separate entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF).
Present on the ground in 41 African countries, with an external representation in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 Member States.
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Picture: © AfDB
