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AfDB Coding for Employment Program Marks Milestone with 130,000 Users Across Africa

On International Youth Day, the African Development Bank announces the enrolment of 130,000 users in its Coding for Employment digital skills program.
The milestone comes as Coding for Employment works to equip African youth with information and communication technology, entrepreneurship and soft-skills training to compete in a digital economy.
The program’s online platforms offer in-demand technical courses such as web development, design, data science and digital marketing – for free.
With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in lockdowns and school closures across the continent, the Coding for Employment platforms experienced dramatic increases in the number of users.
During a one-week period in September 2020, registrations skyrocketed by 38.5%. Through the Bank’s partnership with the Government of Nigeria to launch the Digital Nigeria eLearning platform during the pandemic, Coding for Employment has hit a combined total of 130,000 students. Registered students are achieving a course completion rate of more than 80%.
“To win the battle against poverty in Africa, we must equip our youth with digital skills that empower them for the jobs of the future,” said Martha Phiri, Director of the Bank’s Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department.
Students who took the online courses in the wake of Covid-19 in Africa said learning or honing digital skills helped them advance their careers.
“During the lockdown period, I taught myself MS Excel, using the Coding for Employment platform. Participating in the training not only smoothed my rough Excel skills but also gave me the platform to network and push myself,” said program graduate Hajara Ayuba in Nigeria.
“Thanks to the Coding for Employment program, I met one of the major criteria – data fluency and MS Excel skills – at my present NYSC place of primary assignment in Borno State Board of Internal Revenue Service. I was later retained in the job,” Ayuba added.
The Coding for Employment main digital training platform was launched in December 2019 in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation and Microsoft. It is accessible on mobile devices, even in low internet connectivity settings and has an affordable, easy-to-navigate, secured and private interface.
“The online training program started in tandem with the opening planned upgrade of physical Coding for Employment-branded Centers of Excellence piloted in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. The Bank aims to scale up to 130 centers across the continent in a decade.”
“The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning as a necessity. Coding for Employment swiftly leveraged its online digital skills platform to continue to offer a gateway for African youth to become more digitally capable,” said Hendrina Chalwe Doroba, the Bank’s Division Manager for Education and Skills Development.
Following the pilot program, Coding for Employment online courses are now available in 45 countries. Some 300 beneficiaries, like Shaawanatu Shuaibu, linked Coding for Employment to getting jobs. Shuaibu a Coding for Employment program graduate from the Gombe State Center of Excellence in Nigeria, said the course had broadened her understanding of content writing.
“I was able to organize the content of my CV, which secured me a call for an interview at Jaiz Bank Plc. My performance at the interview and fluency in communication got me posted to the Customer Service Unit of the Bank,” she added.
Coding for Employment aims to create over 9 million jobs and reach 32 million youth and women across Africa. The Coding for Employment Program is part of the Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa Initiative.
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FG Commissions Rebuilt Kano Digital Industrial Park with Support from IHS Nigeria

The Federal Government has commissioned the fully refurbished and restored Kano Digital Industrial Park, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive digital growth, youth empowerment, and strong private sector collaboration.
The facility, which suffered significant damage during the August 2024 protests, has now been fully restored through a generous intervention by IHS Nigeria.
The commissioning ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, was led by the President of Nigeria, ably represented by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Kano State (representing the Governor) Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo; the Emir of Kano, represented by His Highness, Jarman Kano, Amb. Ahmed Umar OON; the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission Dr Aminu Maida; the Minister of State for Youth Development; representatives from IHS Nigeria; and other senior government officials.
Delivering his opening remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the strategic importance of the park and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enabling Nigeria’s digital future.
“The recommissioning of the NCC Digital Industrial Park in Kano is a landmark moment in our journey to accelerate ICT innovation and empower the next generation of digital pioneers.
“This facility will serve as a catalyst for digital inclusion, economic transformation, and youth empowerment not just in Kano, but across the entire Northwest region. We remain committed to creating a thriving digital ecosystem where innovation can flourish and no one is left behind in Nigeria’s digital revolution.” He said.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Governor of Kano State, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, reaffirmed the state’s digital ambition and expressed deep appreciation for the partnership that made the park’s restoration possible.
“This commissioning marks more than the unveiling of a refurbished structure, it represents Kano’s bold vision to lead Northern Nigeria’s digital transformation. “We are grateful to IHS Nigeria for their swift response and unwavering support following the vandalization of this facility. Their commitment goes beyond corporate responsibility, it reflects a shared vision for a digitally inclusive Nigeria. He said.
Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief Operating Officer of IHS Nigeria, Kazeem Oladepo, who represented the CEO of IHS Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital future.
“Our decision to sponsor the refurbishment of the Kano Digital Park is rooted in our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy and empowering young Nigerians with the skills to thrive in the digital age,” he said.
“This partnership with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is a clear demonstration of the power of public-private collaboration in addressing national challenges.
“We are proud to contribute to the 3MTT program and help restore this park as a hub of innovation and opportunity for the Kano community. Supporting initiatives like this and others such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub is how we aim to foster long-term digital growth, create jobs, and drive inclusive development across Nigeria.” He added.
Capping off the event, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the significance of public-private collaboration in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
“The recommissioning of the Kano Digital Industrial Park is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when public and private sector actors unite behind a shared vision. This facility is more than just infrastructure, it is a beacon of innovation, resilience, and opportunity for Northern Nigeria.
“IHS Nigeria’s swift intervention following the vandalism of this park reflects true partnership and corporate citizenship. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where young Nigerians, especially those in underserved communities, have the tools and training to thrive in a digital economy.” He highlighted.
The Kano Digital Industrial Park forms a key part of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a flagship government program aimed at equipping Nigerians with globally competitive digital skills.
The renovation includes fully equipped training labs, power and connectivity infrastructure, upgraded learning spaces, and restored digital equipment to support thousands of learners across Northern Nigeria.
The commissioning of the Kano Digital Industrial Park comes just weeks after Ilorin Innovation Hub, the largest innovation hub of its kind in West Africa, which is also sponsored by IHS Nigeria, kicked off its incubation and acceleration programs. These interventions highlight IHS Nigeria’s continued commitment to fostering innovation, creating jobs, and driving the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
By bringing the Kano Digital Industrial Park back on stream, IHS is reinforcing its pledge to support impactful initiatives at both the federal and sub-national levels, particularly those that provide opportunities for young Nigerians, who represent the future of the nation.
News
AMCON Confirms ₦100Bn Sale of Ibadan DisCo Amid Legal Disputes

Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has confirmed the sale of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), one of the five power distribution companies previously under its management.
Gbenga Alake, managing director and chief executive officer of AMCON, made the disclosure during a media parley with senior media executives on Thursday, July 3.Wildlife safaris in Nigeria
Alake revealed that the company was sold for N100 billion and said AMCON will soon hand over IBEDC to the preferred bidder. He explained that the initial sale offer was rejected for being too low, prompting a re-submission that resulted in nearly double the previous valuation.
“Today, I announce to you that Ibadan DisCo has been sold. When we came in, it had already been sold. It was sold for how much?” Alake said. “We got in and said no, it cannot be. We said they should go and submit a new offer that we were not going to sell for that. At the end of the day, we got almost double of what Ibadan DisCo was going to be sold for.”
The sale has, however, sparked legal disputes. Alake acknowledged that various interests have since gone to court over the transaction but insisted that AMCON is confident it followed due process.
“We have sold it… and whatever is still happening in court, we will face it,” he stated.
The federal government had earlier announced plans to divest from five distribution companies under the management of banks and AMCON. Alongside IBEDC, the other firms are Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, and Kano Electricity Distribution Company.
In May, the African Initiative Against Abuse of Public Trust, a civil society organisation, filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against AMCON, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and IBEDC. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2025, alleges that the proposed sale of a 60 percent stake in IBEDC for $62 million was “secretive and illegal,” and described the transaction as “corruptly undervalued.”Wildlife safaris in Nigeria
According to the group, the sale could result in a $107 million loss to the Nigerian government compared to the $169 million valuation placed on the same stake during the 2013 privatisation exercise.
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Ghana Tasks Africa On Increased Cyber security Investments

Ghana has urged other African countries to boost investment in cyber security tools and capacity building.
Samuel Nartey George, minister for communication, digital technology, and innovation, made the call while delivering a lecture on Cyber security – Ghana’s Policy and Readiness at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College as part of the ongoing Defence Management Course 25.
In his presentation, he urged other African countries to establish cyber security resilience while acknowledging the financial and political trade-offs, but emphasised the long-term value of digital security in defending national sovereignty.
The Ghana minister’s call for increased investments comes as analysts argue that cyber security should not be considered as an afterthought, a compliance checkbox, or a last-minute technical fix.
They believe that politicians, technology leaders, and businesses must collaborate to develop governance frameworks that address Artificial Intelligence (AI)-specific threats, invest in secure-by-design solutions, and build local cyber security skills on a scale.
In the case of George, he gave a data-driven presentation on Ghana’s digital transformation agenda and cyber security readiness, stating that cyber security was the new frontier of national security and defence.
According to him, all traditional defence mechanisms today rely on secure digital infrastructure.
The minister’s presentation covered key thematic areas: the emergence of the digital economy; threats to the digital landscape, Ghana’s journey toward a secure and resilient digital future and a national roadmap for further advancement.
He also demonstrated how government digitisation efforts—such as e-parliament, e-justice, e-passport, e-procurement, e-immigration and smart workplace platforms—are reshaping governance, judicial processes, and public service delivery.
Additionally, George disclosed recent successes in cyber-intelligence operations involving collaboration with international partners like the FBI and INTERPOL, which led to arrests and asset recovery tied to transnational cyber-crime syndicates.
“Cyber fraud is real, and Ghana has made significant strides in arresting cyber-criminals through advanced digital forensics, AI tools, and coordinated intelligence sharing,” he said.
George also revealed ongoing work on updating Ghana’s cyber security laws to address emerging threats including AI abuse, terrorism financing, deepfakes, and online child exploitation.
To fellow African states, he cautioned: “Cyber security doesn’t win elections, but its absence can cost lives and state stability. We must prioritise it.”
George asked that they enhance their investment in cyber security.
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