American technology companies Cybastion and Cisco today concluded a two-day visit to Ivory Coast to officially launch theDigiEmpower Workforce Training Program (DigiEmpower), an ambitious digital workforce initiative aimed at training 200,000 young people and women in 10 regions of the country by 2030.
DigiEmpower is a collaboration between Cisco and Cybastion and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and the Ministry of Youth Promotion and Employment of the government of Côte d'Ivoire.
Anchored in Abidjan's state-of-the-art Cybastion Tech Academy, DigiEmpower will leverage a national network of ICT academies to provide training in digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI), IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. The program will focus on preparing highly specialized digital professionals for careers in government and the private sector.
“This bold new initiative represents a major step towards equipping a new generation of technology professionals and entrepreneurs and positioning Ivory Coast in digital innovation and workforce development in Africa,” said Dr. Thierry Wandji, CEO of Cybastion.
Highlights:
🔹 MOU Signings: Strategic partnerships between Cybastion, Cisco and key Ivorian ministries to accelerate digital workforce development. Memoranda of understanding were signed with the Ministry of Communication and the Digital Economy, the Ministry of Women, Family and Child Protection and the Ministry of Youth Promotion and Employment of Côte d'Ivoire.
🔹 Roundtable: Leaders from government, the private sector and academia came together to explore concrete solutions for building a strong digital workforce and fostering partnerships to drive Ivory Coast's digital transformation.
🔹 Networking Reception: An evening reception forged strong connections to deepen partnerships and discussions on building a talent pipeline to drive innovation, build resilience against cyber threats and promote inclusive growth.
🔹 U.S. Ambassador's Luncheon: Hosted by Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, the luncheon featured informal discussions on how the U.S. government can support DigiEmpower's mission to increase its impact.
🔹 Regional Dialogue: H.E. Ms. Nasseneba Touré, Minister of Women and Family of Côte d'Ivoire, convened the Ministers of Women of Liberia and Guinea and a representative of Sierra Leone to share regional collaboration strategies for the digital empowerment of women and youth.
