The Malagasy government has officially launched the first cohort of its Skills4Job initiative, a program aimed at equipping young people with vital digital skills to improve their employability.
The pilot phase began in the port city of Toamasina with 51 participants and is set to expand gradually across the country.
Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications Stéphanie Delmotte highlighted that this free training initiative is designed to provide participants with essential tools to navigate and succeed in the evolving digital landscape. She emphasised that the program aligns with Madagascar’s broader ambitions for digital transformation, as outlined in the five-year Digital Strategic Plan (PSN) 2023-2028. The government envisions positioning Madagascar as a key player in Africa’s digital economy, focusing on expanding telecommunications, promoting e-government services, and fostering digital inclusion.
Madagascar’s efforts are also supported by regional and international insights, with the World Bank projecting that around 230 million jobs across sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030 to support the continent’s digital transition. In line with this vision, the country’s Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training, Marie Marcelline Rasoloarisoa, announced in September a target to train 40,000 people in digital skills by 2028. Additionally, Madagascar signed a partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates in February 2024 to train one million young people in new technologies, further emphasising its commitment to digital skills development.
Despite these initiatives, youth employment remains a significant challenge in Madagascar. According to Afrobarometer data from 2024, more than 40% of Malagasy aged 18 to 35 reported being unemployed and actively seeking work. The main barriers to employment include a lack of adequate training or preparation (30%), insufficient experience (27%), and a disconnect between educational qualifications and labour market requirements (16%). The government’s focus on digital skills development aims to address these gaps and unlock new opportunities for young people across the nation.
