Gabon partners with Smart Africa to launch digital skills academy
Date: 2026-03-07
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Gabon
has signed a memorandum of understanding with Smart Africa to deploy the Smart
Africa Digital Academy as part of efforts to strengthen digital skills and
prepare talent for opportunities in the digital economy.
The
agreement was signed in Barcelona by Gabon’s Minister of Digital Economy,
Digitalization and Innovation, Mark-Alexandre Doumba, and Smart Africa Director
General Lacina Koné. The initiative aims to equip African professionals with
the digital competencies needed to support economic growth and innovation
across the continent.
Under
the partnership, the Gabonese Innovation Center has been designated as the
national implementing entity and will host the activities of the Smart Africa
Digital Academy in Gabon.
The
programme is designed to accelerate the development of digital skills among a
wide range of beneficiaries, including young people, students, entrepreneurs,
public officials and professionals in the private sector.
Officials
say the initiative will strengthen cooperation between Gabon and pan-African
digital organizations while contributing to the development of a more inclusive
and competitive digital ecosystem in the country.
Speaking
at the signing, Doumba emphasized the importance of digital skills development
in the country’s transformation agenda, noting that preparing talent today is
essential for building the digital economy of the future.
The
initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to position digital
technology as a key driver of economic growth, innovation and employment
opportunities for Gabon’s youth.
