Ministry launches digital talent dev’t program to empower 10,000 Ethiopian youth

Addis Ababa, June 6, 2024 (FBC) – The Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT), in collaboration with partners, launched a national skill training program for 10 thousand youths in six universities to create jobs in the field of innovation and technology.

Dubbed as the “Safaricom Talent Cloud”, the program is set to be implemented by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Safaricom Ethiopia, Sumitomo Corporation and Gebeya Inc.

“Safaricom Talent Cloud” is said to be a first-of-its-kind platform designed to empower the next generation of tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital leaders across Ethiopia.

This innovative platform aims to increase the tech talent in the country which will be a big boost to the IT industry development by providing comprehensive capacity-building opportunities and career development pathways to 10,000 Ethiopian talents by the end of 2024.

During the launching event, Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Mola has explained that it is important to work together to realize the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, to provide the youth who have a significant role in developing the country’s economy with the skills to create jobs and to have a welcoming environment.

For his part, Masahiro Miyashita, Chief Strategy Officer of Safaricom Ethiopia, said that the collaboration is important to achieve their commitment to contribute to the success of Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey and promote innovation and work that solves society’s challenges.

JICA representative Chie Shimodaira said that his Agency believes that digital skills play a key role in opening up new opportunities and benefiting from services available on digital platforms.

Mr Amadou Daffe, CEO and Co-Founder Gebeya, stated that his company is working to increase Africa’s potential and global competitiveness by creating technological alternatives, solutions and markets through the Cloud Talent Revolution.

According to the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Mekele, Bahr Dar, Hawassa, Dire-Dawa, Adama and Jigjiga universities are the centers to achieve this first round program.

On this new platform, Gebeya Inc. will be developing 38 expert-developed courses covering five key domains highlighting Software Development, Infrastructure, AI and Data, Security, and Project Management, among others, according to JICA Ethiopia.