Africa is a continent of potential, with a young and dynamic population. However, the digital divide persists, limiting access to education, employment and economic opportunities.

The fruit of a partnership between the African Development Bank and Microsoft, the C4E-Digital Ambassadors program was much more than a training initiative. It has embodied a bold vision: to equip Africa’s youth with the skills and leadership needed to shape a prosperous future for the continent.

Indeed, the program is based on the conviction that young Africans have the potential to unlock Africa’s untapped potential and lead the continent’s economic and social transformation in the digital age.

Program objective

The C4E-Digital Ambassadors program is designed with the following fundamental objectives in mind:

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Reduce the digital divide

Equipping young Africans with the digital skills they need to thrive in the modern economy.

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Promoting entrepreneurship

Foster an entrepreneurial spirit and provide the tools needed to launch and run businesses in the digital space.

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Community empowerment

Enable ambassadors to become catalysts for change in their communities by sharing their knowledge and skills

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Stimulating economic growth

Contribute to Africa’s economic transformation by creating a pool of qualified digital professionals

Numbers speak for themselves

The program has generated significant results, testifying to its profound and lasting impact on African youth:

21,000+ applications received from all over Africa, illustrating the enthusiasm generated by this unique opportunity.

1,000 young Africans from four pilot countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal) have been transformed into digital ambassadors or volunteers, benefiting from intensive training and personalized support.

50.1% of ambassadors have started their own business or found a job in the digital sector, actively contributing to economic growth and job creation.

A significant number of communities have been touched by the initiatives and projects implemented by the ambassadors, spreading the impact of the program on a local and regional scale.

A unique approach to transformation

The resounding success of the C4E-Digital Ambassadors program lies in its innovative approach, harmoniously combining peer learning, personalized coaching and essential skills training:

Peer learning

Peer learning: participants are encouraged to collaborate, share their knowledge and support each other, creating a collective learning dynamic and a strong network.

Personalized coaching

Each ambassador benefits from individual mentoring, advice and regular follow-up to maximize their potential and achieve their goals.

Essential skills training

The program covers a wide range of skills, from digital literacy and entrepreneurship to self-employment and life skills, preparing participants to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Program process

A program structured around four key pillars

Freelancing

This training module is aimed at listeners who want to become self-employed. It offers a straightforward strategy on how to build and manage your own independent business.

Soft Skills

This module covers the essential soft skills – such as self-confidence, emotional intelligence, empathy, time management, critical thinking, communication and conflict management, among others – needed to succeed in life and at work.

Business & Entrepreneuship

The Business & Entrepreneurship module introduces listeners to the basic ideas, activities and skills needed to develop their entrepreneurial potential and successfully launch, run and develop a business.

Digital Skills

The Digital Skills module provides listeners with a basic knowledge of digital technologies. It covers all the areas of digital skills and knowledge needed to work effectively in a professional environment.

For more information on the program, download the one pager.

Tangible impact and prospects

The C4E-Digital Ambassadors program has already had a significant impact:

Empowered youth: One thousand (1,000) young Africans, including 500 ambassadors and 500 volunteers, have acquired valuable skills and are equipped to drive change in their communities.

Community involvement: Ambassadors actively share their knowledge, extending the program’s reach to even more young people.

Employment opportunities: Links with employers open doors to new career prospects for program graduates.

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Country

1000

Recipients

4+

Modules

10

Cohortes

Past participants’ stories

Eloquent testimonials from former participants illustrate the concrete and profound impact of the program on their lives and communities

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my training coach. His passion, expertise and constant support have been invaluable to my personal and professional growth. His ability to convey knowledge in a clear and engaging way made the training not only informative but enjoyable. Thanks to her insightful advice and mentoring, I was able to develop new skills and overcome obstacles. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to learn under her inspiring tutelage, and I am convinced that it will have a positive impact on my career in the long term. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done.”

Bekanty Yao Chance – Entrepreneur

“I am deeply grateful to the initiators of this project, the African Development Bank and Microsoft, for their bold vision and commitment to digital empowerment in Africa. The 4E Digital Ambassador program has had a significant impact on my life and the lives of many young people across the continent. My sincerest thanks to you for making this trip a memorable and enriching experience. The adventure has only just begun and I look forward to continuing to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained to contribute to the development of my community and my continent. With gratitude,”

N’dri Anderson Brou – Entrepreneur ‘Kabshore cote d’Ivoire’
Référant digital

“Great times spent together that have had and will continue to have an invaluable impact on our personal and professional lives. From the trainers to the coaches, the whole Synapses team really did an outstanding job. Best wishes for the future and every possible success. Thank you so much.”

Daba SENE – Jeune entrepreneur

“Through this message, I would like to congratulate the Synapse team for this quality training you have offered us, especially in the digital field which is a trend these days. I consider myself extremely lucky to have taken part in this program, and I intend to use this opportunity to build my professional career even further. From the training managers to the trainers and students, a big thank you goes out to you all. We'll be putting everything you've taught us into practice, because that's the best way for us to show our gratitude.

Aliou BA – Entrepreneur

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my training coach. His passion, expertise and constant support have been invaluable to my personal and professional growth. His ability to convey knowledge in a clear and engaging way made the training not only informative but enjoyable. Thanks to her insightful advice and mentoring, I was able to develop new skills and overcome obstacles. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to learn under her inspiring tutelage, and I am convinced that it will have a positive impact on my career in the long term. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done.”

Bekanty Yao Chance – Entrepreneur

“I am deeply grateful to the initiators of this project, the African Development Bank and Microsoft, for their bold vision and commitment to digital empowerment in Africa. The 4E Digital Ambassador program has had a significant impact on my life and the lives of many young people across the continent. My sincerest thanks to you for making this trip a memorable and enriching experience. The adventure has only just begun and I look forward to continuing to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained to contribute to the development of my community and my continent. With gratitude,”

N’dri Anderson Brou – Entrepreneur ‘Kabshore cote d’Ivoire’
Référant digital

“Great times spent together that have had and will continue to have an invaluable impact on our personal and professional lives. From the trainers to the coaches, the whole Synapses team really did an outstanding job. Best wishes for the future and every possible success. Thank you so much.”

Daba SENE – Jeune entrepreneur

“Through this message, I would like to congratulate the Synapse team for this quality training you have offered us, especially in the digital field which is a trend these days. I consider myself extremely lucky to have taken part in this program, and I intend to use this opportunity to build my professional career even further. From the training managers to the trainers and students, a big thank you goes out to you all. We'll be putting everything you've taught us into practice, because that's the best way for us to show our gratitude.

Aliou BA – Entrepreneur

The seeds of change are sown

Although the first edition of the program has come to an end, its impact endures. Digital ambassadors continue to be leaders in their communities, sharing their skills, creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation.

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