Digital and youth empowerment initiatives face infrastructure and funding challenges in Africa

In Senegal, the ‘Technological New Deal’ aims to create 350,000 jobs by 2034. However, achieving this goal requires addressing significant infrastructure gaps. While the national electrification rate has risen to approximately 86% in 2024, a stark divide remains between urban areas (99%) and rural regions (70%). Success depends on stabilizing electricity, reducing internet costs, and ensuring digital transformation reaches the informal sector, including rural producers and small-scale traders.

In Cameroon, Minister of Youth and Civic Education Mounouna Foutsou is promoting the second phase of the Youth Connekt Cameroon program. During a visit to Bafoussam, the Minister highlighted the program's reach of two million connected youths and 1,043 direct jobs. The initiative seeks to expand its partner ecosystem through regional caravans, aiming to foster entrepreneurship and skills development among the youth ahead of the 7th Youth Connekt Cameroon Convention in November.