• Cabo Verde launched a €400,000 digital skills program to train up to 3,000 young people for remote and freelance work.
• The program targets youth at home and in the diaspora and aligns training with global market demand.
• Youth unemployment stands at 27.8%, while internet penetration reached 73.5% in 2023.

The Cabo Verde government launched the “Skodji Digital” program last week to train up to 3,000 young people in digital skills. The initiative carries a cost of 400,000 euros, or about $477,000. The government designed the program to help young people participate in the global gig economy, access remote work opportunities, and develop digital microenterprises.

In its first phase, the program will directly support 1,050 participants, including young people living in Cabo Verde and members of the diaspora. The government has opened applications and will keep them open until February 25 through a dedicated online platform. Training programs will last between two and six months, depending on the specialization.

“Skodji Digital provides structured training in digital skills aligned with global market demand, supported access to international digital employment and freelance platforms, activation of careers in emerging digital sectors, and dedicated pathways for digital entrepreneurship and the creation of micro-entrepreneurial initiatives,” the government said in a statement.

The initiative fits into Cabo Verde’s broader digital strategy, which focuses on expanding digital services, attracting international companies, hosting remote workers, and investing in local skills. The country has strengthened cooperation with Portugal to position itself as a pool of digital talent for Portuguese companies. Both sides aim to align training programs with labor market needs and create an environment conducive to testing technological solutions.

The government also views the program as a tool to address unemployment. Cabo Verde has a population of about 600,000 people, mostly young, according to the African Development Bank. The bank reports an overall unemployment rate of 14.5%. Youth unemployment reaches 27.8%, including 33.4% among women and 22.9% among men.

However, the expansion of the gig economy and remote work depends on reliable internet access. According to the International Telecommunication Union, Cabo Verde recorded an internet penetration rate of 73.5% in 2023.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM