Senegal Initiates FORCE-N Project, Aiming to Educate 80,000 Young Individuals in the Realm of Digital Careers
The FORCE-N program in Senegal, launched on July 29, 2025, in Diamniadio, is a comprehensive strategy for national digital transformation [1]. This ambitious initiative aims to train 80,000 young people in digital professions, with a focus on placing 70,000 graduates in paid jobs, mentoring 10,000 entrepreneurs, and fostering the creation of 1,000 startups [2].
The program is a crucial component of Senegal's broader agenda for the year 2050, known as "Agenda 2050," and its "New Technological Deal" [3]. It is part of Senegal's efforts to empower its youth and strengthen its digital economy.
The successful implementation of FORCE-N is expected to significantly boost youth employment in Senegal and stimulate innovation in its technology sector [4]. The program targets the digital skills gap critical for Senegal and West Africa, where demand for digital competencies is rising sharply, but local training outputs remain inadequate [5].
Key partners involved in the FORCE-N program include the Mastercard Foundation, which is providing crucial support for the initiative [3]. The Mastercard Foundation supports initiatives boosting youth employment and entrepreneurship across Africa, particularly in digital sectors. The Sheikh Hamidou Kane Digital University in Senegal is also involved, contributing academic and training support to develop a skilled digital workforce [3].
During the launch ceremony, the Minister of Higher Education praised the dedication of all partners involved in FORCE-N [6]. The program encompasses the digitization of government administration, making it a significant step towards Senegal's digital economy and youth empowerment goals.
In summary, FORCE-N is a strategic national effort to empower Senegalese youth with digital skills, enhance employability, and stimulate entrepreneurship, supported by both local institutions like Sheikh Hamidou Kane Digital University and international partners such as the Mastercard Foundation [3][5]. The launch of FORCE-N marks an important milestone in Senegal's journey towards a digitally skilled and innovative future.
References: 1. Launch of FORCE-N in Senegal 2. FORCE-N: Senegal's national digital transformation strategy 3. Mastercard Foundation supports FORCE-N 4. FORCE-N to boost youth employment in Senegal 5. Digital skills training in West Africa 6. Minister's speech at FORCE-N launch
Startups in the technology sector are set to be fostered as part of Senegal's national digital transformation strategy, FORCE-N, which aims to support 1,000 startup creations among its goals [2]. The program also focuses on education and self-development, with a target of mentoring 10,000 entrepreneurs and training 80,000 young people in digital professions [2].
