Digitalise Youth: Empowering Africa’s next generation of digital Changemakers
Across Africa, young people are not just navigating the digital world; they are reshaping it.
Launched in 2025, the Digitalise Youth Project is implemented by World Scouting as part of a consortium led by the European Partnership for Democracy, alongside AfricTivistes, the Kofi Annan Foundation, CFI, and Code for Africa. Together, the consortium is bridging the gap between digital technologies, young activists, and civil society organisations.
Rolled out in ten National Scout Organisations, including Scoutisme Béninois, Association des Scouts du Burkina Faso, Les Scouts du Cameroun, Fédération Tchadienne du Scoutisme, Ethiopia Scout Association, Association Nationale des Scouts de Guinée, Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali, Scoutisme Nigérien, Fédération Sénégalaise du Scoutisme, and Association des Scouts du Togo, the project equips young people with the skills and confidence to lead in digital spaces while promoting safer, more inclusive online communities.
Across many communities, young people are becoming increasingly connected, yet they face rising risks such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and unequal access to digital opportunities.
Digitalise Youth addresses these challenges by empowering a new generation of responsible digital citizens who can use technology for positive social change while staying safe online. Through a mix of training, peer education, and youth-led initiatives, the project is making a meaningful impact.
Learning, leading, and multiplying impact
The journey started with a regional Training of Trainers that brought together Scout leaders who would become catalysts for change. To date, more than 500 young people aged 15-26 have gained skills in digital literacy, online safety, and civic engagement.
They have gone on to reach over 1,800 peers, expanding access to quality education and helping reduce digital inequalities. This peer-to-peer approach is opening opportunities for young people, including young women and underserved communities, to step into leadership roles and drive more inclusive participation.(SDG5)
Youth action driving real change
Through 20 funded youth-led initiatives, and 10 National Scout Organization projects, young Scouts are tackling misinformation, promoting digital safety, and strengthening civic engagement, contributing to more informed, peaceful, and accountable societies. In Burkina Faso, young Scouts have taken this further by leading advocacy efforts on cybercrime and digital safety, working with local partners to influence safer online behaviours.
Local innovations
Across countries, young people are creating solutions that respond to their realities.
In Ethiopia, young Scouts developed an interactive educational game to teach digital safety and misinformation, making complex topics engaging and accessible.
In Senegal, partnerships with digital innovation hubs such as Orange Digital Centre strengthened local ecosystems and enabled youth to lead workshops, podcasts, and discussions on digital citizenship.
In Mali, young people participated in JOTA-JOTI for the first time, engaging globally while creating AI-driven content and earning digital badges , a milestone that expanded both confidence and international exposure.
Building safer, more inclusive digital societies
Digitalise Youth is helping young people think critically, act responsibly, and engage safely online. By expanding access to digital skills, especially for underserved communities, the project is strengthening inclusive learning opportunities and reducing inequalities. At the same time, youth-led advocacy is promoting accountability, trust, and active citizenship in digital spaces.
Looking ahead
After one year, Digitalise Youth has grown into a strong network of young digital leaders. The next phase will focus on scaling youth-led action, advocacy around digital policy, deepening partnerships, and expanding access to more communities.
Powered by:
