** Digital inclusion in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a springboard for the future thanks to Vodacom and Kadea Académie **
On March 5, 2025, a significant event took place in Kinshasa: the launch of the “Future Skills” program by Vodacom Congo and the Kadea Académie. This partnership symbolizes a decisive step in the digital transformation process of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which aspires to succeed in its technological takeoff. Beyond the simple training in digital skills, this initiative represents a real socio-economic lever, and raises crucial questions on the way to go to reach a mass digital inclusion in a country in full change.
### The importance of an accessible digital education
In an increasingly connected world, digital skills have acquired essential value. According to a study by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2022, almost 90 % of jobs in 2040 will at least require basic digital skills. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country where the informal economy predominates, it is essential to fill the digital gap to allow the population to actively participate in the labor market.
The “Future Skills” program is positioned as a proactive response to this growing need. By offering free training to the 50 selected participants, including 15 officials from the Ministry of Vocational Training, Vodacom and Kadea Académie establish a model that could inspire other initiatives nationwide. The acquisition of skills in Microsoft Office, in programming and algorithmic thinking is a significant first step towards the empowerment of a generation of Africans who must sail in an era dominated by digital.
### Analyze statistics behind the initiative
The program has already demonstrated its impact, which has enabled 1,028 learners to benefit from free digital skills training since its launch in September 2024, including 30 % of women. Although these figures are encouraging, they also underline the need to expand access to training, especially for disadvantaged young people. However, it should be noted that the DRC has a high unemployment rate, mainly affecting young people aged 15 to 25, with a rate estimated at 51 % according to the World Bank in 2023.
The opportunities for the digital economy are not yet fully achieved. The mobile internet in the DRC experienced an explosion, reaching nearly 18 million subscribers in 2023, but the penetration rate remains low compared to that of other countries in sub -Saharan Africa. Initiatives like that of Vodacom, which relies on digital inclusion, are crucial to transform this potential into a tangible reality. Allowing Congolese young people to transform their ideas into applications and services can generate innovative solutions adapted to local challenges, while creating jobs.
### The socio-economic impact of digital skills
The digital revolution offers a multitude of possibilities, ranging from entrepreneurship to reduce inequalities. By forming young people, women and community leaders, the “Future Skills” program is not content to promote technical skills, but also stimulates economic empowerment. Indeed, studies show that women who have access to digital training are more likely to emerge from the cycle of poverty.
By integrating interactive sessions and based on technology experts, the program aims to create a community of practitioners capable of transmitting their knowledge to those who have not yet had the chance to access such training. This “teacher learner” model is promising because it could generate a multiplier effect in the country’s technological ecosystem.
### Towards a sustainable development strategy
Environmental issues and energy transition are also crucial as part of this project. Vodacom Congo is a pioneer in reducing its carbon footprint and has taken significant measures, such as the deployment of nearly 900 rural connectivity sites operating at 100 % solar energy. By integrating a sustainable approach to its digital initiatives, Vodacom is not only limited to influencing the economic sphere, but also undertakes to respect the environment.
### Conclusion
The launch of the “Future Skills” program by Vodacom Congo and Kadea Académie marks a positive turning point towards digital inclusion and accessible education for all Congolese. By forming young people to digital skills, this initiative opens the way to a future where the DRC will not only be able to participate in the global digital economy, but also take advantage of it to solve its structural problems. Investing in digital education is investing in the potential of a nation that aspires to reinvent itself and meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Vodacom will surely find positive echoes in this approach, but the real success compass will reside in its ability to expand this initiative to include even more Congolese and ensure that progress is shared by all, contributing to the construction of a more inclusive and resilient society.