Senegal just ran a pilot program to teach its young people how not get owned online. The country's communications ministry teamed up with the UNODC and a partner called TETHER for this. They picked thirty students from a big applicant pool, all between 18 and 29 years old, to get deep training on cybersecurity, digital laws, and even how to start a tech business.
These trainees ended up creating six different projects. Three of those projects got funding, scoring 5 million FCFA each to help launch actual startups and create jobs. The whole effort lines up with Senegal's bigger national plans, like their Vision 2050, which talks about digital independence and growing the tech economy.
A ceremony is planned for later in 2025 to hand out certificates and the funding, led by Minister Alioune Sall. The government sees this as a potential blueprint for other African nations, aiming to boost both innovation and online safety for the next generation across the continent.
These trainees ended up creating six different projects. Three of those projects got funding, scoring 5 million FCFA each to help launch actual startups and create jobs. The whole effort lines up with Senegal's bigger national plans, like their Vision 2050, which talks about digital independence and growing the tech economy.
A ceremony is planned for later in 2025 to hand out certificates and the funding, led by Minister Alioune Sall. The government sees this as a potential blueprint for other African nations, aiming to boost both innovation and online safety for the next generation across the continent.
