Efforts to expand digital literacy and inclusion in Côte d’Ivoire are gaining momentum as civil society organizations seek to address persistent gender gaps in access to technology and online opportunities, according to a United Nations-backed feature highlighting grassroots initiatives.

Aminata Savané, Vice-President of Centre Marée de Lumière, has been at the forefront of these efforts through a training initiative aimed at improving digital skills among women and young people. Despite widespread smartphone use in the country, she said many individuals lack the knowledge required to leverage digital platforms for economic and social advancement.

Since its launch in 2021, the organization’s Digital O’Féminin Tour programme has trained more than 600 women and 200 teenagers in areas including digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and online engagement. Participants have gone on to establish small businesses, develop content for digital platforms, or pursue further training, reflecting growing interest in the digital economy.

Savané said the challenge extends beyond access to technology, describing it as a broader issue of awareness and empowerment. While many users are active on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, they often lack the understanding needed to translate this activity into economic opportunities.“The challenge is the lack of information,” she said, noting that digital engagement remains largely limited to consumption rather than production or entrepreneurship.

“They scroll the internet but they don’t know that by creating an online activity they can make a profit.”The programme integrates technical training with leadership development, an approach Savané said is critical to overcoming social and psychological barriers. In addition to teaching digital skills, the initiative fosters peer support networks intended to encourage participation and confidence among women.

“We’re also creating a safe space, a sisterhood for these women because we’ve realized that, very often, they share the same reality,” she said. “You can impart all the knowledge in the world, but if you can’t activate what springs people into action, it won’t work.”The initiative was designed in response to disparities in digital access and usage between men and women in Côte d’Ivoire.

Savané said addressing these gaps requires challenging entrenched gender stereotypes as well as misconceptions that may limit women’s engagement with technology.Alongside efforts to promote inclusion, the programme also addresses risks associated with digital environments, particularly for younger users.

Savané highlighted concerns related to cybercrime and unsafe online practices, noting that digital literacy must include awareness of potential threats.As part of her broader advocacy work, she has collaborated with UNICEF and the Jeunes Blogueurs CI community to develop a guide on safe internet use for young people. The initiative aims to provide practical guidance on navigating digital spaces securely, reflecting growing concern over online safety in emerging digital ecosystems.

“When I was younger, I found myself in the middle of a digital world without any guidelines,” Savané said, adding that the guide was designed to help younger generations avoid similar challenges.Her work also includes advocacy for systemic change at the policy level. Savané has called for digital literacy to be incorporated into Côte d’Ivoire’s national education curriculum as a standalone subject.

She said such an approach should extend beyond basic computing skills to include online safety, data protection, digital identity, personal branding, and responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.The proposal reflects a broader recognition among policymakers and international organizations that digital skills are increasingly essential for participation in modern economies.

Integrating these competencies into formal education systems is seen as a potential pathway to reducing inequality and supporting long-term economic development.Savané’s contributions have received international recognition. At the end of 2025, she was awarded at the Young Activists Summit held at the United Nations in Geneva, an event supported by a range of international organizations including UN Human Rights, UNESCO, and UNFPA, as well as civil society and private sector partners.

The initiative underscores the role of local organizations in addressing global challenges related to digital inclusion. While infrastructure and access to devices have improved in many regions, the case of Côte d’Ivoire highlights the importance of complementary investments in education, awareness, and capacity-building.

As digital technologies continue to reshape economic and social landscapes, efforts such as the Digital O’Féminin Tour illustrate how targeted interventions can help bridge gaps in participation. The focus on both skills and empowerment reflects an evolving approach to digital development, one that prioritizes not only access but also meaningful and safe engagement.

A recent report unveiled by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) highlights the Kingdom’s remarkable progress toward becoming a fully connected, technology-driven economy.

The report — the Digital Economy Navigator 2025 — was launched in Qatar, presenting a comprehensive analysis of digital growth across 80 countries that represent 94 percent of the global GDP.

The DCO emphasized that Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pioneer in building strong digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and creating inclusive digital access for all citizens.

This milestone showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing Vision 2030 objectives, transforming its economy into one powered by data, innovation, and sustainable development.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, stated that this achievement reinforces the Kingdom’s dedication to helping global policymakers design strategies that strengthen innovation ecosystems and digital governance frameworks.

These efforts align with the broader goal of achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth for all participating nations.

The report revealed that Saudi Arabia’s progress in digital transformation is supported by over 145 measurable indicators and a survey involving more than 41,000 participants across the world.

This extensive research provides valuable insights into how countries are advancing in digital infrastructure, innovation capacity, business growth, and governance transparency.

The Kingdom’s leadership reflects a forward-thinking vision that prioritizes inclusivity, opportunity, and technological empowerment.

One of the most notable highlights is Saudi Arabia’s success in the field of digital health and education. The Kingdom operates the world’s largest virtual hospital network, connecting over 224 hospitals across the nation.

In addition, AI-powered platforms like Sehhaty and Wasfaty have revolutionized healthcare accessibility and efficiency, ensuring that citizens receive timely and effective medical services.

These advancements underline how digitalization can bridge service gaps and enhance the quality of life.

The report also found that digital transformation has expanded global internet accessibility, with more than four out of five people in participating countries now having online access.

Lower and middle-income nations have shown the greatest improvement, proving that progress can be achieved with the right investments and policies.

Saudi Arabia’s support for cross-border collaboration has been instrumental in this global movement toward inclusion and connectivity.

Furthermore, the DCO highlighted how digital innovation has strengthened international trade. Online service portals are now fully functional in 66 countries, enabling easier access to cross-border services.

Another 10 countries are in the process of implementing similar platforms, which will further enhance global economic integration.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting equality in the digital sector is also evident. Global gender participation in digital activities has reached an average of 70.8 percent, and the Kingdom continues to push for more investment in digital education, especially for women. This initiative aims to close gender gaps and ensure equitable opportunities in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

The DCO’s Secretary-General, Deemah Al-Yahya, stressed the importance of continued collaboration, stating that progress in digital transformation depends on governments adopting agile policies, businesses investing responsibly, and societies embracing innovation.

She added that through unity and innovation, countries can create a trusted, sustainable digital future where every nation can participate meaningfully.

Saudi Arabia’s continued advancements in AI, 5G technology, and digital infrastructure represent a significant stride toward building a knowledge-based economy.

The Kingdom’s digital transformation journey sets a global example of how technology, inclusivity, and visionary leadership can work together to drive progress and prosperity in the digital age.