Latest news with #NTFV
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Training Ethiopia's next wave of freelancers to earn, grow and go global
A digital training initiative is helping young Ethiopians turn freelancing into a viable career, opening up new opportunities for income, independence and access to global work. Ethiopia is emerging as a strong contender in the global freelance economy. With more than 200,000 science graduates each year, expanding internet access, and some of the most competitive labour costs in Africa, the country has the conditions to scale remote work. Supported by digital payment reforms and a national taskforce focused on freelancing, the country is working to turn its digital talent into a driver of economic growth. Until recently, however, few young people had access to structured support or training to help them enter the freelance market. That's starting to change. A recent Digital Freelancing Training Programme trained 353 participants – 186 women and 167 men – in how to build sustainable careers as freelancers and access the global gig economy. The training covered everything from financial planning and personal branding to project management and securing online clients. The training was supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ethiopia Tech project at the International Trade Centre (ITC). From employment to independence Nardos Seifu, a design and research strategist based in Addis Ababa, joined the programme after seeing a post on social media. Her work focuses on human-centred design, innovation, and facilitating learning experiences. She had long been interested in consulting but didn't know how to position herself as a freelancer. 'I had the skills, but I didn't know how to offer them as a service,' she said. 'The training explained how freelancing works, including how to price your time, promote yourself, and manage your work professionally.' Since completing the course, she has formalized a tutoring side job and is applying for remote design consulting roles. She credits the financial planning sessions for helping her organise her income and time and is using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to grow her visibility. 'I've always wanted to open a design studio that trains young people in design thinking. Now I feel like that's possible.' Adapting to local realities The training was delivered online through weekly webinars, practical guides and interactive sessions. Internet access was a challenge for some participants, particularly outside Addis Ababa, so the team used multiple channels, including Telegram, SMS and email, to keep learners engaged. A key resource was the Become a Freelancer Checklist, a step-by-step guide to setting goals, building online profiles, and managing client work. Enquanhone also authored a companion eBook, Become an Online Freelancer, which covers everything from branding and pricing to productivity and digital tools. Turning lessons into action Participants were encouraged to apply what they learnt immediately. For Seifu, that meant tracking tutoring hours, setting a consistent hourly rate, and using scheduling tools to stay on top of her workload. 'We were taught to treat freelancing like a business,' she said. 'That means knowing your value, being organised, and communicating clearly.' The programme also introduced tools for building an online presence. Nardos, previously hesitant about platforms like TikTok, is now using it to share insights and reach new audiences. 'There are a lot of tools out there. The programme helped me figure out which ones matter and how to use them.' Following the training, many participants began applying their new skills immediately. A total of 148 entrepreneurs – including 63 women and 137 young people – have enhanced their ability to work as freelancers as a result of gaining practical tools to manage clients, projects and income streams. Of those trained, 87 participants (35 women and 81 youth) secured new jobs, demonstrating the programme's early success in improving employability and access to income-generating opportunities. Growing a freelance community Participants came from diverse sectors – including marketing, development, and tech – and peer learning was a core part of the experience. 'We were learning from each other,' said Seifu. 'We talked about our goals and shared what was working.' Still, Ethiopia's freelance ecosystem is young. Seifu noted the lack of local networks or co-working spaces for freelancers. A Telegram group created through the programme helps alumni stay in touch and share opportunities, but participants see the need for more structured, long-term support. A model for future growth The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector. 'This training was a starting point,' said Enquanhone. 'Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.' With the right support, Ethiopia's freelancers could help shape the country's digital economy and become a model for others across the continent. A model for future growth The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector. 'This training was a starting point,' said Enquanhone. 'Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.' With the right support, Ethiopia's freelancers could help shape the country's digital economy and become a model for others across the continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Senegalese companies see accessibility as good business
As Senegal aims to become a digital leader in Africa, shared growth requires inclusive approaches. Start-ups working with the NTF V project at the International Trade Centre (ITC) gained a better understanding of standards that open technologies to all. Senegal's digital accessibility challenge Senegal has launched a Technological New Deal, setting out to become a digital leader in Africa by 2050. As artificial intelligence and digital innovation open up new prospects for growth, inclusivity is becoming a crucial issue. How can we build a more prosperous society without offering all its citizens fair access to information and communication technologies? For over 10 years, this issue has been the driving force behind the commitment of Amath Ndiaye, co-founder of Bakhtech. In France as in Senegal, Bakhtech combines technology and solidarity to improve the daily lives of people with physical, sensory or mental disabilities. 'According to the WTO, 16% of the world's population is affected by a disabling health problem. And this proportion is higher in developing countries. So we need to do more. Bakhtech's ambition is to make technology perceptible, usable and understandable to everyone,' he said. Countries in the South are all too often unaware of international standards for digital accessibility. This has serious consequences for people with disabilities, since digital technology increasingly shapes our relationship with the world around us. 'The challenge is to preserve the autonomy, freedom and employability of people with disabilities. Did you know that the professions of physiotherapist and computer scientist are the most popular among visually impaired people? Yet I remember a blind physiotherapist who, from one day to the next, was no longer able to practice because his business software had been updated and was no longer accessible to him. Digital technology should not be a threat to employment, but an opportunity,' Ndiaye said. Marieme Soda Sall is director of SAMRES Sénégal, a call center offering mobility services to Swedish users with disabilities. 'Living with a disability in Senegal means living on the margins of society,' she said. 'Technology should be more at the service of people. SAMRES Senegal shows that this is possible. Thanks to digital tools, our operators can overcome geographical distance, language and cultural barriers. Based in Dakar, our teams deliver quality services every day to Swedish customers with disabilities.' Turning digital accessibility into a growth opportunity SAMRES Senegal takes a keen interest in the technological developments that are shaking up the work environment. 'Accessibility principles often lead to clearer design, more logical navigation and better organization of content, which benefits not only our customers but all our users,' Sall said. 'For us, it's a question of being more efficient, but also of facilitating collaboration with our international partners, for whom these standards are not an option.' As trainer, Amath Ndiaye led the webinar on 25 March. Individual coaching sessions are scheduled for companies wishing to go further. 'Bachtech has developed a solution based on artificial intelligence, capable of automatically detecting accessibility errors on any site,' Ndiaye said. 'Adopting universal accessibility standards is not just a question of social responsibility or ethics. It's also a way of reinforcing your brand image by making a strong social commitment.' He is delighted with the positive response he's received from companies that have taken the training. 'My hope is that Senegal will become a model of digital inclusion in West Africa, and even on the international stage. To achieve this, we need to get everyone on board with the issue of disability. And while there's still a long way to go, companies are beginning to understand that they can be agents of change and contribute to the emergence of an inclusive digital ecosystem.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
How Ghana is creating digital opportunities for persons with disabilities
Unemployment rates for persons with disabilities persons with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa are among the highest in the world, often exceeding 80% to 90%. Inaccessible infrastructure, societal stigma, and policy shortfalls restrict access to meaningful work. Technology offers a powerful solution, enabling remote work and opening doors to global opportunities. In Ghana the tech sector is valued at around $1 billion and continues to grow. From fintech to agritech, the potential is vast, but the participation of persons with disabilities has been notably low. This gap became clear during digital trade and e-commerce training sessions run by TechFarm Hub, where Executive Director Kobina Adomadzi Longdon and his team engaged with young entrepreneurs, including persons with disabilities. 'Technology is a game-changer,' Longdon noted, 'but many persons with disabilities feel left out because society treats these tools as if they're only for the able-bodied.' In response, TechFarm Hub partnered with the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) at the International Trade Centre (ITC) to develop training on digital inclusion and freelance skills. With support from the NTF V Ghana Tech project, the Disabilities Relief and Innovation Support Programme (DRISP) recently delivered a three-day course on practical digital and entrepreneurial skills to access the global gig economy. TechFarm Hub, a social innovation and business development centre based in Koforidua in eastern Ghana, helps startups and small businesses grow. The hub places a strong focus on digital inclusion and agribusiness. Building digital careers Twenty participants from across Ghana took part, including Grace Otoo, a fashion designer from Koforidua. 'I gained valuable skills in designing flyers, which I now use to promote my business,' she said. 'I learnt how to use WhatsApp and TikTok to expand my customer base and increase visibility.' The training programme provided practical, hands-on learning in: Setting up online businesses and navigating digital trade Cybersecurity, online fraud prevention, and mobile money security Social media marketing strategies to enhance visibility Content creation and graphic design using Canva Personal branding and profile optimisation on platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal The training was designed with accessibility in mind, with wheelchair-friendly facilities, assistive technology, and learning modules tailored to meet a range of needs. Breaking barriers to employment By equipping people with disabilities with the tools to work remotely, the programme removes barriers such as limited physical access and exclusion from the job market. 'This initiative is about empowerment through digital inclusion,' said Kobina Adomadzi Longdon. 'We are making sure they have the tools and knowledge to do so.' Participants have already begun applying their skills, setting up online profiles, securing freelance gigs, and connecting with clients. Many now feel confident about freelancing, marking a real shift from the challenges they've faced with traditional job hunting. Measuring impact 'All the training sessions were really informative, especially the Canva training where we learnt to design logos and brand flyers,' said trainee Isaac Zokliss. 'Before this, we'd only heard about branding. Now I see how important it is. The logo I created has given my business a unique identity and helps customers recognise my products instantly.' Trainee Michael Tettey agreed: 'I've learnt how to take photos of my work, create content, and post it on social media. As a barber, I now know how to market myself more effectively.' TechFarm Hub plans to expand the programme to reach more participants and offer more advanced support. This includes new courses in e-commerce, video editing, and digital advertising – skills that are increasingly relevant in today's job market. The organizers also aim to secure funding for essential tools like laptops and tablets to improve access to digital work. Another priority is to strengthen post-training support, including mentorship. 'As Ghana's digital economy grows, programmes like this are key to making sure persons with disabilities can access real opportunities for work and independence,' said Longdon. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
For Senegalese students, digital freelancing opens opportunities
With 22 million young people joining the workforce every year, Africa needs to create many more jobs. Digital technologies are a major asset in getting younger professionals more work opportunities. That's why the NTF V Senegal Tech project organized practical training courses for students at the Cheikh Hamidou Kane Digital University. Focusing on digital freelancing and pitching, these sessions showed students how to better seize digital opportunities and drive their own professional development. Digital entrepreneurship appeals to Senegalese youth Initially planned for around 50 students, nearly double that number attended the three training sessions from the International Trade Centre (ITC) project. For Mayoro Cissé, head of the Development and Cooperation Department at the Cheikh Hamidou Kane Digital University, this enthusiasm shows that students are both interested and ready to become entrepreneurs. 'Our public digital university delivers online training courses throughout Senegal. This gives our 75,000 students a flexible learning model, giving them easy access to knowledge and time to create and undertake,' Cissé said. 'Many of our students are used to working from home and independently. As a result, they naturally aspire to become freelancers, in order to gain financial independence and develop skills that are highly sought-after on the job market,' Cissé added. 'Although bursting with ideas and initiatives, our young people lack support. Working with partners such as the NTF V project is therefore highly relevant to maximize our students' chances of succeeding in self-employment.' From 15 to 17 January, the students took training courses on freelancing, covering everything from the realities of the business to pitch techniques for attracting investors. The sessions took place successively in Sebikotane, Mbour and Saint-Louis, reaching students far from the capital. 'If we want to turn our young people into job creators rather than job seekers, then it's important not to confine ourselves to Dakar. It's in our university's interest to surround itself with partners like NTF V, to support the emergence of a new generation of digital entrepreneurs throughout the country.' Reaching for the future with digital freelancing Seydou Nourou Tall studies law, and is president of the university's Job Placement and Entrepreneurship Club. This 24-year-old is passionate about digital marketing and innovation. He has set up his own cleaning business and is about to recruit his first employee. Always on the lookout for techniques and advice, Seydou likes to surround himself with mentors, and never misses an opportunity to attend a new master class. On 17 January in Saint-Louis, he took the NTF V course on digital freelancing. 'Senegal's economy cannot offer salaried employment to all new graduates. So I see self-employment as an ideal to strive for,' he said. 'Freelancing helps me to develop my professional network and structure my project. It's a first step towards independence.' At the end of the course, Seydou set about optimizing his online business. 'The course introduced me to an online services marketplace that puts freelancers in touch with customers. Since posting my profile, I've gained in visibility and landed a few administrative assistance assignments,' he said. As for the students in the pitching workshop, more than half said they had improved their skills in developing business strategies and models. The university welcomes such fruitful partnerships. 'In February, we hosted a new NTF V project intervention on digital freelancing skills and the Saas B2B model. In the future, we hope to renew these initiatives and extend access to as many of our students as possible, thanks to videoconferencing,' Cissé said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
