Gabon has launched a digital skills training programme aimed at equipping 2,000 young people with workplace technology skills as the country seeks to tackle youth unemployment and improve access to employment opportunities.
The Numérik’Avenir programme was launched on Monday, June 15, by the Zita Oligui Nguema Center for Professional and Entrepreneurial Skills (CCPE’ZON) at Omar Bongo University in Libreville.
The initiative combines vocational training with entrepreneurship support and is being implemented in partnership with VAALCO Energy Gabon, a subsidiary of the U.S.-based energy company.
The programme targets young people and students in Greater Libreville, providing training in basic digital tools that are increasingly required in the labour market.
Participants will receive training in widely used office software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, skills considered essential for many administrative and professional roles.
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Registration for the programme opened through an online platform on June 15, allowing applicants to select their preferred training schedules.
According to CCPE’ZON deputy general coordinator Patrick Eric Meyo, all training sessions will be conducted physically, with the first group of 25 participants expected to begin classes on June 22.
The programme will run through December, with a total of 80 training cohorts planned.
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Participants will undergo assessment before and after the training to measure progress, and those who successfully complete the courses will receive official certification.
The graduates will also be included in a database that can be accessed by recruiters, giving them greater visibility in the employment market.
CCPE’ZON is responsible for providing training facilities, computers and instructors, while VAALCO Energy Gabon is financing the project with 20 million CFA francs, equivalent to about US$35,000.
The company said the partnership reflects its commitment to supporting local skills development and investing in Gabon’s young workforce.
The programme comes as Gabon continues to face significant employment challenges, particularly among young people.
According to the country’s 2024 National Employment and Unemployment Survey, Gabon has more than 108,000 unemployed people, with young people aged 15 to 24 representing a significant proportion of those without jobs.
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The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimated youth unemployment in Gabon reached 36.4% in 2023, highlighting the pressure on authorities to create pathways into employment.
CCPE’ZON said Numérik’Avenir aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals focused on quality education and decent work.
The centre has already supported youth employment efforts through previous partnerships. In April, it helped place 52 trained young people with partner organisations, including Beacoin Power Services and the Gabon Energy and Water Company.
The centre has also signed cooperation agreements with private sector institutions, including AFG Bank, to expand opportunities for trained young people.
Gabon’s economy continues to face structural challenges, including limited diversification and dependence on key sectors.
The AfDB has projected that economic growth could slow to 2.2 percent in 2026 due to insufficient diversification.
Against this backdrop, digital skills development is increasingly seen as a way to improve employability and prepare young people for opportunities in a changing economy.
However, while the Numérik’Avenir programme represents a step toward addressing skills gaps, its initial focus on Greater Libreville means its reach remains limited compared with the wider national employment challenge.
