AfDB multiplier effect coding targets the grassroots

The African Development Bank and Microsoft Philanthropies have come up with a strategy worthy of

commendation.

They plan to train 500 youths specially on coding and expect them to train other youths in return who will then train others and the effect keeps multiplying that way to the benefit of Africa.

The training of the 500, which will be under the existing Coding For Employment programme, will be an intensive three-month coursework featuring in-demand skills such as web design and digital marketing as well as soft skills like critical thinking, project management and communication.

At the end of it, AfDB and MP will provide the graduates, who will be known as digital ambassadors, with information and communication technology toolkits and resources so they can offer the same training within their local communities.

“It’s very important that we build upon the success of Coding For Employment to take digital literacy to the grassroots. The community-based model will ensure that the youth in rural areas are digitally empowered and further affirm AfDB’s commitment to raising the next generation of digitally enabled youth and women on the continent,” Martha Phiri, Director, Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department, AfDB, said.

“Today’s youth are our future leaders and entrepreneurs, which’s why it’s 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 African Development Bank on its incredible Coding for Employment program,” Ghada Khalifa, Regional Director, Microsoft Philanthropies, Middle East and Africa, reacted.

The digital ambassadors’ initiative is part of AfDB’s strategy to center its technology and digital investments on the youth and enable them to bring about economic and social transformation in the digital age, and the digital ambassadors’ peer-to-peer model is expected to draw more youth because it offers a more personalized learning experience.

Applicants are to be aged between 18 and 35 years and are expected to be proficient in English or French and must be citizens of Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria or Senegal.

The digital ambassador programme will be expanded to other countries soon after the pilot phase.

The ambassadors will receive stipends and have access to the digital skills training centers in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and Rwanda.

They’ll also have access to a network of employers, private sector partners and freelancing platforms.

The ambassadors’ initiative also aims to achieve at least 50% women participation by collaborating with women’s groups and strongly encouraging women to be part of it.

To register to become a Coding for Employment digital ambassador:

French form: https://bit.ly/3CmLvMT

English form: https://bit.ly/3HxNMbN

Application deadline for the first cohort (known as the Nile Cohort) is December 31, 2021 at 5pm GMT.

CFE aims to create over 9 million jobs and reach 32 million youth and women across Africa.

It’s part of AfDB’s Jobs for Youth in Africa Initiative (https://bit.ly/3CtivmG).

Learn more about CFE: https://bit.ly/3DkyW65