The African Development Bank (AfDB) has opened its second Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Centre of Excellence to shape the youth in Africa and also accomplish its goal of providing an inclusive future for all.
The Centre of Excellence, opened at the United States International University-Africa in Nairobi, marks an important milestone for the Bank’s ‘Coding for Employment’ program and its growing partnerships with higher education, technical and vocational education as well as training institutions.
“This Center of Excellence is just one example of the Bank’s commitment to supporting the next generation of African leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. By working together to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we are all helping to create a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.
“The future will be shaped by technology, and it is our responsibility to prepare our young people for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Hendrina Doroba
Hendrina Doroba is AfDB’s Division Manager for Education and Skills Development. Hendrina made this statement while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Centre, on behalf of Nnenna Nwabufo, the Bank’s Director General for Eastern Africa.
For the opening ceremony, representatives from the President of Kenya’s Office together with officials from the United States International University-Africa and the African Development Bank Group were present.
Technical partners; Junior Achievement Kenya and Microsoft, joined the Bank and Rockefeller Foundation collaboration to establish this second ICT center in Kenya. These centers are open to youth who fall within the 15 – 35 age range category, who have enrolled in the Coding for Employment program, and who do not qualify or have the means to attend traditional university programs. ‘Coding for Employment’ and its partners aim to reach over 1,800 Kenyan youth through the two centers established.
The African Development Bank’s ‘Coding for Employment’ program is developing the capacity of African youth by equipping them with practical 21st century skills, as well as employability and entrepreneurship skills, to increase their competitiveness in local and global labor markets. The program is funded through a partnership between the Bank and the Rockefeller Foundation.
Professor Margee Ensign, Vice Chancellor for the United States International University-Africa, expressed joy partnering with the bank to drive this initiative.
“[The United States International University-Africa] is excited to partner with the African Development Bank in this initiative because it perfectly aligns with the University’s strategic plan that aims to educate our young people for complex global challenges and be the change makers in Africa.”
Prof. Ensign
AfDB’s ‘Coding for Employment’ to enhance youth employability
Beneficiaries of the Bank’s Coding for Employment program have the privilege of enhancing their employability in Information and Communications Technology or tech-enabled sectors by accessing a curriculum that covers demand-driven digital skills, entrepreneurship, and soft skills.
The university center has been furnished with 40 computers, printers, desks, ergonomic office chairs, a well-equipped conference room and projectors.
“The disproportionate barriers to technology access and lack of relevant skills in the technology sector contribute to the continent’s soaring unemployment rate. Therefore, digital skills are a critical factor in making young people more employable in the current economy, and our aim is to teach them to be different and disruptive.”
John Wali – Executive Director, Junior Achievement Kenya
Also at the ceremony, a keynote speaker, Mukhtar Abdi Ogle, Secretary for Strategic Initiatives from the President of Kenya’s Office, encouraged the youth to embrace a growth mindset and collaborate with the government in its effort to upskill the youth with globally competitive digital skills that will earn them decent and productive employment.
‘Coding for Employment’ opened the first Kenyan Center of Excellence at the University of Nairobi in March 2022. Overall, online and in person Coding for Employment programs have reached 152,000 youth across the continent.
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