Skodji Digital programme launches in Cabo Verde to prepare youth for global gig economy

By:  Robert Kwaku Annor

Cabo Verde Digital has announced the successful rollout of the Skodji Digital programme, a national initiative aimed at equipping young people with skills for participation in the global gig economy.

The programme, created by the Government of Cabo Verde with implementation partners and funding support from the World Bank Group, took place across two major cities over the past week. Activities began in Praia at the Universidade de Cabo Verde and concluded in Mindelo.

The sessions marked the formal introduction of hundreds of participants to a structured training pathway focused on digital skills development, remote work readiness, and long-term employability. Participants joined from across the country’s islands, with additional engagement from members of the diaspora who participated virtually, reflecting a diverse mix of experience levels ranging from beginners to individuals already active in digital fields.

Organisers indicated that the programme is designed to provide continuous guidance through a defined learning system supported by dedicated channels to ensure participant retention and progress. Alongside technical training, the sessions also facilitated networking and collaboration through team-building activities and participant presentations, helping to establish learning communities among attendees.

A key feature of the launch events was the inclusion of success stories from programme alumni who are currently working remotely for international companies. These testimonies were presented as practical evidence of the opportunities available within the global digital economy.

Skodji Digital is positioned as more than a training initiative, serving as a bridge between skills development and employment by connecting local talent to international markets. Programme organisers emphasised that preparing young people for remote work is a strategic priority that enables access to income, professional experience, and career growth without requiring migration.

The initiative is also expected to contribute to strengthening Cabo Verde’s digital economy by building a workforce capable of competing globally. Organisers noted that the launch events represent the beginning of a longer process, as participants will continue their training over the coming months, applying their skills to real-world challenges and advancing toward professional opportunities in the digital sector.