US tech companies Cybastion and Cisco concluded today a two-day visit to Côte d’Ivoire to officially launch the DigiEmpower Workforce Training Program (DigiEmpower), an ambitious digital workforce initiative to train 200,000 young people and women across 10 regions of the country by 2030.
DigiEmpower is a collaboration between Cisco and Cybastion and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and Ministry Youth Promotion and Employment.
Anchored by the state-of-the-art Cybastion Tech Academy in Abidjan, DigiEmpower will leverage a nationwide 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 both government and the private sector.
“This bold new initiative represents a major step toward equipping a new generation of tech professionals and entrepreneurs, and positioning Côte d’Ivoire in digital innovation and workforce development in Africa,” said Dr. Thierry Wandji, CEO of Cybastion.
Key highlights:
🔹 MOU Signings: Strategic partnerships between Cybastion, Cisco, and key Ivorian Ministries to accelerate digital workforce development. MOUs were signed with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, Ministry of Women, Family and Protection of Children, and Ministry of Youth Promotion and Employment.
🔹 Roundtable Discussion: Leaders from government, private sector, and academia convened to explore actionable solutions for building a robust digital workforce and fostering partnerships to drive Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation.
🔹 Networking Reception: An evening reception forged strong connections to deepen partnerships and discussions on creating a pipeline of talent to drive innovation, bolster resilience against cyber threats, and promote inclusive growth.
🔹 U.S. Ambassador’s Luncheon: Hosted by Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, the lunch generated informal discussions on how the U.S. government can support DigiEmpower’s mission to scale impact.
🔹 Regional Dialogue: H.E. Mrs. Nasseneba Touré, Cote d’Ivoire Minister of Women and Families from Côte d’Ivoire convened the Ministers of Women from Liberia and Guinea and a representative from Sierra Leone to share regional collaboration strategies for digital empowerment of women and youth.
