Gabon has officially launched a nationwide digital and cybersecurity training initiative aimed at equipping 1,000 young Gabonese with essential skills for the rapidly evolving digital economy. The program, known as Africa DigiEmpower, is a collaboration between the U.S. technology company Cybastion and Gabon’s National Agency for Digital Infrastructures and Frequencies (ANINF). The launch took place on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the ANINF headquarters in Libreville.
The initiative comes as Gabon intensifies its efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and youth employability in alignment with its broader national digital transformation agenda. Antonia Akouré-Davain, managing director of Cybastion Gabon, emphasized the importance of building local talent to sustain this transformation. “Africa DigiEmpower is designed to provide young people and women with market-ready skills, supporting Gabon’s modernization while preparing a workforce capable of contributing to both public and private sector projects,” she said.
The program features three training levels, designed to accommodate participants with varying backgrounds and experience. The first level, open to all, focuses on basic digital literacy, including foundational computer skills and everyday use of digital tools. Subsequent levels target advanced technical specializations, offering certification tracks in networking, cybersecurity, and broader digital technologies. By completing these programs, participants gain credentials that meet international standards, enhancing their employability and competitiveness in the tech sector.
The Africa DigiEmpower initiative builds upon a 2025 partnership between Cybastion and the Gabonese government, aimed at accelerating the development of digital infrastructure and creating a workforce capable of meeting the demands of a modern digital economy. ANINF plays a key role in the program, providing facilities, mentoring, and oversight through its ANINF Academy located in the ANINF Tower. Exceptional trainees may also be recruited for national projects supporting Gabon’s digital transformation, giving participants direct pathways to employment.
The program reflects a broader regional and global challenge: preparing young people for jobs in digital-intensive sectors. According to the World Bank, more than 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030, in a region where nearly 60 percent of the population is under 25. Initiatives like Africa DigiEmpower aim to address this skills gap while empowering women and youth to participate meaningfully in Africa’s digital economy.
By offering free, certified training, Gabon seeks to strengthen human capital, boost youth employment, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the country. The program also aligns with continental efforts to develop digital talent capable of driving Africa’s integration into the global digital economy. Experts say that early investment in digital skills is critical, as nations that build a competitive digital workforce are better positioned to attract investment, enhance public service delivery, and support industrial and technological development.
Beyond immediate job creation, the program is expected to support long-term national priorities, including cybersecurity readiness, digital inclusion, and the expansion of e-government services. With private-sector collaboration and government backing, Africa DigiEmpower represents a scalable model for other countries seeking to prepare young populations for the demands of the 21st-century labor market.
“This initiative not only equips Gabonese youth with technical skills but also builds a foundation for innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development,” Akouré-Davain said. “By empowering young people and women with digital capabilities, Gabon is investing in a future-ready workforce and positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.”
More Read
The Africa DigiEmpower program officially begins later this month, with applications already open for the first cohort. Over the next year, the program will deliver intensive classroom and hands-on training, mentoring sessions, and industry exposure, ensuring participants are prepared for the dynamic demands of the digital economy.
