The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have launched a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening digital skills, employability, and entrepreneurship among young people and women in five African countries: Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The agreement was concluded on June 24, 2026, during a meeting between Louise Mushikiwabo and Sidi Ould Tah.
The initiative seeks to address one of the most pressing challenges facing many Francophone countries: ensuring that young people can access opportunities emerging from the rapidly expanding digital economy while fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Under the partnership, the two institutions will roll out training programmes focused on digital skills and entrepreneurship. The programmes will cover key areas including web and mobile development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analysis.
Participants will also receive support to improve access to employment and self-employment opportunities, alongside initiatives designed to stimulate innovation and business creation.
The project will include entrepreneurship camps, prototyping activities, and collaboration with incubators and accelerators to help transform ideas into viable businesses.
Special emphasis will be placed on supporting initiatives led by young people and women, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive economic growth and empowerment.
The new programme builds on the OIF’s extensive experience in promoting digital transformation and youth development across the Francophone world. Through its D-CLIC programme and other initiatives, the organization has already trained nearly 19,000 young people in digital skills, employability, and entrepreneurship.
To ensure long-term impact, the OIF and AfDB will work closely with national governments and training institutions in the five participating countries.
The collaboration aims to strengthen local capacities, encourage knowledge transfer, and ensure that national stakeholders take ownership of the programmes.
The partnership will begin with a pilot phase lasting between 12 and 24 months in the five selected countries. Based on the results achieved, the initiative could be gradually expanded to other member states across the Francophone community.
Officials described the agreement as the first concrete step in the OIF’s efforts to mobilize innovative and additional financing for high-impact development projects.
It also reflects the vision of Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo to forge new partnerships capable of scaling up initiatives that support youth employment, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion throughout the Francophone world.
The collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to job creation, digital transformation, and economic empowerment, while equipping thousands of young Africans with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
