IFC estimates that 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. In Ivory Coast alone, the country's workforce requires around five million workers with digital skills to support its digital economy.

To address the unmet demand for digital skills in Africa, the Education business unit, led by its Managing Partner, champions Cybastion's education and training solutions to close the digital skills gap and address gender disparities in the continent's digital landscape.

With over 22 years of experience in higher education and extensive experience in designing and managing education and professional training programs, the Managing Partner of the Education Business Unit and his team will design tailor-made professional training programs that match industry needs and future demands to equip African technology talents with the skills required for technology careers.

With the launch of DigiEmpower, an ambitious initiative to train 200,000 youth and women in digital skills across 10 regions across the country by 2030, the Managing Partner of the Education Business Unit, Patrick Fouda, and his project coordinator, will lead the implementation of the workforce training program. DigiEmpower, a collaboration between US technology companies Cybastion and Cisco, in collaboration with the government of Ivory Coast, will leverage a national network of ICT academies to provide training in digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI), IT infrastructure and cybersecurity.

MP Patrick Fouda has held leadership positions in higher education in science, engineering and technology. He also served on the board of directors of the Aerospace Competence Center of Wallonia.

He was also a member of the commission responsible for validating the scientific and technological curricula of bachelor's and master's programs throughout French-speaking Belgium and his expertise will ensure that educational standards meet rigorous academic and industrial requirements.

Clickhereto learn more about Cybastion’s education and workforce development programs.