Digitalise Youth
The Digitalise Youth Project, part of the Digital Democracy Initiative, aims to address the shrinking civic space and rampant disinformation in the Sahel and neighbouring regions by empowering local youth activists and civil society organisations.
Launched in January 2025, it focuses on enhancing digital skills, promoting civic tech solutions, and raising awareness about online political engagement. By connecting human rights defenders and the tech community, the project equips young activists and media organisations with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital ecosystem, protect themselves from surveillance, and fight against disinformation. In addition to its capacity-building work, Digitalise Youth’s advocacy efforts seek to promote digital rights at local, regional, and international levels.
The project is being implemented through a consortium of 6 partners in 14 Countries in the Sahel and neighbouring regions: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Togo. World Scouting is working in 10 of the implementing countries.
Thematic components
The project will equip youth civic actors with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate and access the digital ecosystem effectively through five thematic components. These components address both opportunities and risks of digital civic space for young activists.
Digital Activism tackles the foundation, fostering skills, values, and methods for political and civic engagement in diverse forms.
Civic Tech and AI for Good are enablers, offering innovative tools to amplify activism, improve outreach, and address civic challenges.
Information Environment focuses on mitigating threats like disinformation and online harassment while leveraging digital platforms for positive societal impact.
Digital policy & Digital Rights provide the necessary framework for sustainable and impactful digital engagement, ensuring that civic actors understand and influence the policies governing their work.
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