Establishment of a digital skills training academy for young people in the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga, with the aim of promoting their empowerment.

This project aims to establish a digital skills training academy for young people in the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The goal is to equip these youth—often facing unemployment and limited opportunities—with practical skills in areas such as computer literacy, programming, digital marketing, and online entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, the project seeks to foster their socio-economic inclusion, strengthen their autonomy, and contribute to sustainable local development.

In the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga, young people face high unemployment rates, limited access to quality education, and a lack of opportunities to acquire skills that meet the demands of the modern job market—especially in the digital sector. This situation contributes to their economic and social marginalization, limiting their ability to become self-reliant and actively participate in local development. The absence of accessible and specialized training structures worsens these inequalities and deprives youth of a critical pathway out of poverty.

Our project proposes the creation of a digital skills training academy for young people in the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga, with the aim of fostering their empowerment and economic inclusion. Through practical, market-oriented training programs, mentorship, and access to digital tools, the academy will equip youth with essential competencies in areas such as computer literacy, coding, and digital entrepreneurship. By building their capacities and connecting them with emerging job opportunities, this initiative will not only enhance their employability but also encourage innovation and active civic engagement, contributing to sustainable development in their communities

What makes our solution innovative is its integrated and context-specific approach that combines digital skills training with mentorship, local entrepreneurship, and community engagement, all tailored to the realities of the Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga territories. Unlike standardized programs, our academy offers flexible learning paths—delivered both in-person and online—and co-designed with youth to meet their actual needs. By leveraging technology as a tool for empowerment, our solution opens new opportunities for young people who are often excluded from modern economic systems.

Train at least 150 young people from the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga in basic and intermediate digital skills (e.g., office software, internet use, social media, programming) over a 6-month period.

Strengthen the entrepreneurial capacities of at least 80 youth through specialized modules on digital business creation, e-commerce, and project management.

Establish a mentorship program, both online and in-person, involving digital professionals to support youth throughout their training and professional integration.

Facilitate access to economic opportunities, including internships, freelance work, and micro-financing for trained participants.

Create a local digital platform to deliver training content, monitor participants’ progress, and connect youth with employers and market opportunities.