• The program targets 200,000 Moroccan children for training in digital and AI skills.

• It is part of the “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy to make the country an inclusive and competitive digital hub.

• The initiative is backed by multiple ministries and the AI Movement Center under UNESCO supervision.

Morocco has launched a national program to train 200,000 children in digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills, reinforcing its “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy to boost digital inclusion and prepare citizens for the economy of the future.

The government unveiled the initiative on Monday, aiming to equip younger generations with future-oriented skills, promote technology culture, and narrow the digital divide.

The project stems from a partnership signed in March between the Ministries of Digital Transition, Youth, Economy, and Finance, and the International Center for Artificial Intelligence – AI Movement, affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and operating under UNESCO supervision.

The first phase was simultaneously launched across 12 cities, mobilizing 65 trainers from participating youth centers. The program will gradually expand nationwide after this pilot phase.

The initiative forms part of Digital Morocco 2030, the kingdom’s long-term strategy to position itself as an inclusive and competitive digital hub. The plan calls for training 100,000 youth annually in digital professions, up from 14,000 in 2022, and includes the creation of specialized schools and support for innovation in emerging technologies.

By introducing 200,000 children to coding, robotics, and AI basics, Morocco aims to cultivate a new generation of digitally empowered citizens capable of driving the country’s digital transformation.

Officials say the program could also strengthen Morocco’s technological sovereignty and consolidate its leadership in innovation on the African continent.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Senegal launched a $233 million national program to train 105,000 teachers and administrators in digital tools and artificial intelligence.
• The program is part of the government’s Education Digital Strategy 2025–2029 and includes distributing computers to science students.
• Connectivity gaps remain a challenge, as 40% of Senegal’s population lacked internet access in 2023, according to the ITU.

Senegal’s government is accelerating its digital transformation strategy through new capacity-building initiatives. In August, authorities already organized digital training for members of parliament.

On September 30, the Ministry of National Education (MEN) officially launched a national program to train teachers in digital skills and artificial intelligence. The initiative also includes providing computers to students in science tracks. Officials described the program as the operational start of the country’s Education Digital Strategy 2025–2029, which carries a budget of CFA130 billion (about $233 million) announced in January.

The program stems from a partnership signed in March 2025 between the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. It targets 105,000 teachers and administrative staff to integrate digital tools and AI into teaching and school management.

The online training will be accessible via computers, tablets, or smartphones connected to the internet. It includes interactive content, self-learning modules, and certified assessments. Teachers will learn to adapt their methods to technological changes, use digital resources to enrich learning, raise student awareness of digital and AI issues, and strengthen cybersecurity and data protection in schools.

“The final objective of this initiative is to integrate digital tools directly into the classroom, not only to modernize teaching but also to create an ecosystem adapted to 21st-century requirements,” the ministry said. “This program is not limited to teacher training. It represents a paradigm shift that will allow Senegalese students to move from being simple consumers of technology to becoming creators and innovators.”

Successful implementation depends on several factors. Access to compatible devices, the cost of internet connections, digital literacy, and telecom coverage remain significant barriers. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), nearly 40% of Senegal’s population lacked internet access in 2023.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Jihene Touati, founder of Tunisian edtech start-up Arzaak, won the 2025 Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize for Women (POESAM).
• Arzaak has trained more than 4,000 people 90% women through online certified courses in artisanal and creative skills.
• The platform integrates AI to connect learners, share experiences, and open access to market opportunities.

Jihene Touati, a Tunisian social entrepreneur, won the national women’s prize at the Orange Social Entrepreneur Award for Africa and the Middle East (POESAM) on September 8. Touati is the founder and CEO of Arzaak, an edtech start-up created in 2020 to expand access to artisanal training and boost women’s economic empowerment.

Arzaak delivers certified online training in pastry-making, embroidery, agro-food processing and other practical skills tied to employability and creativity. The company’s model focuses on turning traditional know-how into income-generating activities.

Learners take professional courses, attend workshops on marketing their creations, and receive group support via an interactive digital space. The platform has already trained more than 4,000 people, 90% of them women.

Arzaak uses an artificial intelligence module to strengthen networking, facilitate peer learning, and connect artisans to market opportunities. The approach combines skill-building with digital tools to create pathways to self-reliance.

Touati graduated in 2012 with a degree in English language and literature from the Higher Institute of Human Sciences in Tunis. She later earned a master’s degree in entrepreneurial management and marketing of creative and cultural industries in 2024 from the Higher School of Economic and Commercial Sciences of Tunis.

Between 2017 and 2020, she managed ART et Délices, a Tunisian training center, before launching Arzaak to scale artisanal learning through technology.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Deloitte launched its CyberAcademy in Casablanca on September 19, 2025, to train cybersecurity professionals across Africa.

• The academy offers over 60 certified training programs, integrating AI and aligning with international certifications.

• The initiative supports the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center's goal of expanding its expert team to over 450 by 2025 and leverages Morocco's Tier 1 global cybersecurity ranking.

Africa faces a significant challenge with the scarcity of specialized cybersecurity skills amid escalating cyber threats. Training represents a critical priority for building a resilient and secure digital ecosystem across the continent.

Deloitte, a global audit, consulting, and technology services firm, inaugurated its CyberAcademy in Casablanca on September 19. The academy operates under the umbrella of the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center. This specialized cybersecurity training center targets professionals, students, recent graduates, and individuals undergoing professional retraining. Companies currently struggle to recruit qualified talent in the sector.

The CyberAcademy offers more than 60 certified training courses. These programs cover technical, organizational, regulatory, and strategic aspects of cybersecurity. Some modules already incorporate artificial intelligence, and customizable programs adapt to specific business needs. The academy leverages recognized academic partnerships and international certifications (ISC², ISACA, PECB, etc.) to ensure the quality of its curriculum.

This launch aligns with the ongoing momentum of the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center, which first opened in February 2023. The center currently employs approximately 100 Moroccan and African engineers, with women constituting about 50% of the workforce. It aims to reach over 450 experts by 2025. Furthermore, Morocco has advanced in global cybersecurity rankings. The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, published by the ITU, assigned Morocco a score of 97.5 out of 100, placing it among the international reference countries (Tier 1).

Deloitte intends to address a proven skills deficit with this academy. Many companies and institutions find it challenging to recruit advanced cybersecurity profiles. This difficulty stems from the proliferation of cyberattacks, digital fraud threats, and heightened regulatory requirements. The country's accelerated digital transformation also drives this need, evidenced by high internet penetration, widespread use of online services, and increasing digitization of public services.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Senegal launches 'New Deal Technologique' to digitize public services, including parliamentary operations.
• Lawmakers receive training in AI, cybersecurity; electronic voting system adopted for real-time suffrage.
• Despite progress, African parliaments lag in digital maturity, highlighting need for continued investment.

Senegal is accelerating its national digital transformation strategy, dubbed the "New Deal Technologique," launched in February. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of public services through widespread digitization, with a particular focus on the legislative branch.

In a collaborative effort, the Senegalese government, the National Assembly, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently concluded a five-day digital training workshop for members of parliament. This program is part of broader actions designed to fast-track the digital evolution of the parliamentary institution.

The strategic workshop focused on equipping lawmakers with essential skills in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), personal data protection, and cybersecurity. The objective is to empower them to guide the nation towards digital sovereignty by crafting public policies and legislation that address contemporary challenges, aligning with the "New Deal Technologique" framework.

Significant strides have already been made. In December 2024, the National Assembly implemented an electronic voting system, featuring a platform capable of recording votes in real-time. El Malick Ndiaye, President of the National Assembly, has prioritized the digitization of parliamentary services. The modernization plan also includes the development of an interactive institutional website for b

oth deputies and citizens, alongside the launch of a parliamentary television channel. A dedicated project team has been established to oversee this transformation.

Further demonstrating this commitment, President Ndiaye met with a delegation including executives from the technology company Airudi in May to explore potential collaborations in AI, digital transformation, and professional training. These efforts unfold within a context of profound technological shifts in parliaments globally, driven by demands for greater efficiency, transparency, and citizen participation, as highlighted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in its 2024 World e-Parliament Report.

"Traditional siloed systems are giving way to more integrated and intelligent cloud-based solutions. AI, machine learning, and natural language processing are revolutionizing everything from document management to cybersecurity. These technologies enable parliaments to automate routine tasks, better analyze data, and offer more responsive services to parliamentarians, staff, and citizens," the IPU report, published in October 2024, states.

However, the digital transformation process within the Senegalese Parliament remains in its nascent stages. According to the IPU, the most digitally advanced African parliaments include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Morocco, and Mauritius, followed by Tunisia and Malawi. The report indicates that Sub-Saharan Africa remains largely underrepresented among top-performing parliaments, with 50% of its institutions ranked among the 30 least advanced in terms of digital maturity.

This disparity is primarily attributed to a lack of modernization initiatives, insufficient investment in digital systems, and the absence of ambitious digital transformation programs.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Ivory Coast and French group Ynov Campus signed an agreement to open the first Ynov Campus in sub-Saharan Africa.
• A second deal with the Magic System Foundation will launch a Digital Academy to train youth in digital skills.
• These projects aim to create 40,000 jobs and attract $1.6 billion in investment by 2028.

Ivory Coast has taken two bold steps to tackle the digital skills gap and fuel its economic growth.

Authorities signed two major agreements to train local youth in tech and prepare the country for a digital future. The Village of Information Technologies and Biotechnology (VITIB), based in Grand-Bassam, signed a deal with French training powerhouse Ynov Campus.

This agreement will establish the first Ynov campus in sub-Saharan Africa. Ynov will offer hands-on training in digital fields like web development, data science, digital design, audiovisual production, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Officials sealed the deal during the inaugural Ivoire Tech Forum held in Abidjan from July 9 to July 11.

A second agreement between VITIB and the Magic System Foundation will launch the VITIB Digital Academy. This academy will boost local digital skills, help youth integrate into the job market, and improve employability in high-demand tech sectors.

Both projects form part of VITIB’s larger expansion strategy. The site already hosts 96 companies, five data centers, and a one-stop-shop for business setup. VITIB's 2023–2028 plan, budgeted at CFA180 billion ($320 million), seeks to transform Grand-Bassam into a fully integrated smart city.

VITIB wants to create 40,000 jobs and attract $1.6 billion in investment over the next three years.

As digital transformation accelerates, Ivory Coast is under pressure to build a tech-savvy workforce that meets international standards. The Ministry of Digital Transition plans to train thousands in cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management, advanced programming, and AI.

Authorities have made digital upskilling a national priority. They want to support startup growth, ensure digital sovereignty, and fully integrate into West Africa’s digital economy.

Samira Njoya

Cameroonian tech entrepreneur Bill Agha is building a dynamic ecosystem for innovation, education, and entrepreneurship across his country. He runs contests, workshops, and training programs to meet the real needs of students and young tech project leaders.

Agha graduated in computer science from the University of Bamenda in 2019. In 2020, he founded the Tech Innovation Center (TiC) Foundation, a nonprofit that leverages technology to develop solutions tailored to African communities.

Since its launch, TiC Foundation has focused on nurturing tech talent and boosting digital entrepreneurship. The organization offers tools, training, and guidance adapted to Cameroon’s local realities.

TiC Foundation operates three main programs. The TiC Startup Accelerator Program (SAP) mentors early-stage startups, connects them with experts, and provides business training. The TiC Summit, a national innovation competition for high school students, blends project pitches with design thinking, prototyping, and entrepreneurship workshops. The third, TiC Bootcamp, delivers hands-on training to prepare young people for careers in tech.

Beyond TiC, Bill Agha serves as president of the Golden Toastmasters Club and works as technical lead and regional program coordinator at Open Dreams Educational, an organization that helps students in Cameroon and South Africa access international scholarships.

Agha combines his passion for technology and education to empower the next generation. Through TiC Foundation and Open Dreams, he has trained thousands of youths and supported more than 100 startups, playing a key role in shaping Cameroon’s emerging tech landscape.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba 

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

Morocco is stepping up efforts to make digital technology a key driver of development and technological independence. The country plans to open an engineering school focused on digital transition and artificial intelligence.

On July 4, Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni signed a partnership deal with Minister of Higher Education Azzedine El Midaoui and André Azoulay, president of the Foundation for Research, Development and Innovation in Science and Engineering (FRDISI). The agreement sets up the Higher School of Engineers in Digital Transition and Artificial Intelligence and launches specialized training programs.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs said the initiative aims to align academic programs with real-world needs. The goal is to match training to the demands of local regions, the economy, and national technology priorities.

This project supports Morocco’s “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy, which targets training 100,000 young people annually by 2030 and creating 240,000 digital sector jobs. The plan follows the National AI Forum held last week in Salé, where nine agreements were signed with public and private partners. The forum stressed the importance of building human capital and developing a national roadmap for ethical and responsible AI use.

The new school will train engineers who can create and implement innovative digital solutions across sectors like public services, healthcare, industry, and education. Morocco aims to solve internal challenges while preparing young people for the jobs of the future.

Beyond education, the project will boost Morocco’s digital sovereignty, drive innovation, and help position the country as a magnet for tech startups and regional R&D centers.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum 

Benin is ramping up its digital transformation through strategic partnerships to strengthen cybersecurity, drive innovation, and train future talent.

On the sidelines of the fifth Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) in Cotonou last week,  the Agency for Information Systems and Digital (ASIN) — the government’s operational arm in the digital sector — signed three key agreements.

“CAF 2025 was the perfect setting to sign these three partnerships,” said Marc-André Loko, Director General of ASIN. “Benin, like other African countries, is truly engaging in a dynamic to become a producer of technology. We no longer want to be mere consumers of technology.”

ASIN signed the first two agreements with Senegal’s Orbus Digital Services (ODS) and Benin’s Quality Corporate. These deals aim to build digital trust by strengthening cybersecurity, improving data governance, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This effort is crucial as West Africa faces a surge in cyberattacks targeting governments, companies, and citizens.

ASIN signed the third agreement with the Institute for Inclusive Digital Africa (IIDiA), backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This partnership will set up a digital innovation lab to spur innovation, train local talent, and modernize public services. The goal is to advance digital inclusion and develop new skills.

These agreements support Benin’s digital strategy, which aims to make technology a driver of inclusive growth. According to GSMA, digitalizing Benin’s economy could add up to CFA1,200 billion (around $2.2 billion) to the GDP by 2028, create over 300,000 jobs, and boost tax revenues.

With these new partnerships, Benin is laying the foundation for a stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive digital ecosystem. The deals reinforce Benin’s ambition to lead in technological innovation in West Africa, focusing on digital trust, inclusion, and local talent to build lasting digital sovereignty.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
 Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

Moroccan authorities are prioritizing the development of citizens' digital skills. As part of this effort, they signed an agreement in late February to establish a specialized coding school in the Fès-Meknès region.

The Moroccan government will train children in digital skills and artificial intelligence as part of a national strategy to enhance its digital workforce.

An agreement was signed for that purpose on  Saturday, March 8, between several stakeholders, under the supervision of Amal El Fallah-Seghrouchni, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform.

The partnership also includes the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.

"This national program aims to introduce children to digital technologies and artificial intelligence through training workshops while instilling in them a responsible and secure use of digital tools," the ministry said in a press release published on social media. "Adopting an inclusive approach, this initiative seeks to support young digital talents across the Kingdom to integrate them into the country's digital transformation dynamic."

The initiative aligns with Morocco's ambition to "develop a pool of high-quality digital talent," as outlined in the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy. The Kingdom also aims to move up the value chain and strengthen its position in the outsourcing and digital export sectors.

In late February, an agreement was signed to establish a specialized school for programming and coding in the Fès-Meknès region.

The program could prepare Moroccan children for a rapidly evolving job market driven by accelerated digital transformation. According to the World Bank estimates, by 2030, nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills. While Morocco is not part of Sub-Saharan Africa, the projection underscores the strategic importance of digital skills training in supporting the digital transition of African countries.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji