Digital: An essential catalyst for the transformation of our country
Digital technology is profoundly and irreversibly transforming our way of life. According to the “SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda 2023” published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), digital technologies contribute to at least 70% of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to $55 trillion. However, in many developing countries, such as Burundi, where the internet penetration rate is too low, connectivity remains a significant barrier, underscoring the urgent need to prioritize and support digital initiatives as catalysts for change. Global Context: International Youth Day On August 12, 2024, the world celebrated International Youth Day under the theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This theme perfectly illustrates the crucial role of digital technology in achieving sustainable development goals. However, we cannot overlook that digital technology also presents challenges alongside its benefits. Advantages and Challenges of Digital Technology Digital technology offers numerous advantages, including automation of processes, promotion of financial inclusion, and amplification of the voices of the unheard, among many others. Yet, despite these benefits, a significant portion of the global population remains disconnected: in 2022, 2.6 billion people worldwide were still offline. In Burundi, this translates to a significant digital divide, with only 11.3% of the population connected at the beginning of 2024. This situation complicates the achievement of the SDGs, which, established in 2015, serve as a global call to action to ensure a sustainable future for our communities. In light of these challenges, an urgent call to action is necessary. It is crucial to train individuals and communities in digital skills, invest in digital infrastructure, and establish subsidy policies in the digital realm. The goal is to make digital access available to everyone, not just a privileged minority. FreeTI’s Commitment to the 2023 Agenda In alignment with the realization of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, which includes 17 SDGs aimed at promoting prosperity, universal peace, and the preservation of our planet, FreeTI plays an active role at our level. We focus on training and educating populations and communities by providing them with the digital skills necessary to thrive. We are also committed to digital inclusion, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities without discrimination through various projects we undertake. An Invitation to Contribute We call upon everyone: the government, which must play a key role; individuals; and the private sector. Together, we can harness the potential of digital technology to ensure a better future for all. ksquadremake.freeti.org
Gitega Study Space : A space to acquire digital skills
In an increasingly digital world, developing skills in this area is essential. By 2030, in Sub-Saharan Africa, 230 million jobs will require digital skills, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). To address this reality, it is crucial to prepare by combating the factors that fuel the digital divide, such as lack of skills, poor internet access, discriminatory stereotypes, and more. Here is an analysis and proposed solutions. The digital divide is a well-known phenomenon that divides Burundian society into two categories: those who have access to and master new technologies, and those who are excluded. To tackle this digital divide, digital inclusion appears as an effective solution to ensure that everyone can access and master digital tools. Digital inclusion means guaranteeing access to information and communication technologies for all, as well as training individuals to use them optimally. By acquiring digital skills, individuals can fully participate in society, whether in professional, educational, or social contexts. What will be our contribution through the Gitega Study Space? At Freeti, we believe that successfully transitioning from analog to digital requires a concerted effort among key stakeholders. This includes the government, the private sector, civil society, international organizations, and other relevant actors. It is in this context that the Gitega Study Space has been designed. This space will host the project “Digital Inclusion for Final-Year Secondary School Students through Excellence Clubs in Burundi,” supported by the King Baudouin Foundation. This project will involve various actors, including the public sector (government through secondary schools and the Provincial Directorate of Education) and the private sector (with the involvement of SkyNet-Burundi for training components). What is the Contribution of This Project? Through this project, we aim for increased digital inclusion. Awareness sessions and training programs will help final-year students better adapt to their university paths, with a particular focus on including young girls. Indeed, young girls are underrepresented in employment, entrepreneurship, and policy-making in the ICT sector. Furthermore, trained youth will be able to launch initiatives in the digital field and digital entrepreneurship projects, while others will be connected to job opportunities. Conclusion This project will enhance the capabilities of final-year secondary school students, thereby reducing the digital divide and facilitating access to digital technologies. This aligns with Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which recognizes everyone’s right to participate in cultural life and benefit from scientific progress. The Gitega Study Space is, therefore, an essential initiative to prepare young Burundians for a digital future, equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed and positively contribute to society. ksquadremake.freeti.org