The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the computer company, Microsoft, have selected 500 digital ambassadors from more than 21,000 applications received from across Africa to lead the Coding Jobs Program's model of training professionals. Almost half of those selected are women.

"We have reviewed all applications to identify candidates whose background and qualifications closely match the selection criteria," said Hendrina Doroba, ADB's Education and Skills Development Manager. "The 500 applicants will not only gain skills that can help them find work, but will also be able to create their own jobs while training others."

For this first edition, the 500 digital ambassadors were selected from four countries where the Coding for Employment program is operational: Ivory Coast (75), Kenya (100), Nigeria (150) and Senegal (175) .

ADB launched "Coding for Employment" in 2018 to empower young Africans with information and communication technology skills to position them competitively in the international job market.

The program has established information and communication technology centers with partner universities in all countries where it operates and has provided digital skills training to over 150,000 young people, including 135,000 reached through the 'Coding for Employment' distance learning platform and Nigeria's digital platform.

The 'Coding for Employment' program is part of the project "Youth Employment Strategy for Africa" which foresees the empowerment of 50 million young Africans by 2025; creation of 25 million jobs in agriculture, information and communication technologies, and other key industries on the continent.