Impact Evaluation of a Digital Skills Training Program in Cote d’Ivoire : Baseline Report

Overview & Synopsis

Côte d'Ivoire, characterized by rapid population growth and a predominantly young population, aims to make digital technology a driver of its economic and social development. National strategies such as the National Development Plan (PND) 2021-2025, the National Digital Development Strategy of Côte d'Ivoire (SNNCI) 2021-2025, and the National Strategy for the Digitalization of Education in Côte d'Ivoire (SNDECI) 2024-2028 highlight the importance of digital skills for employability and entrepreneurship. However, there is a lack of accurate information on the level of digital skills among young people and a benchmark for measuring these skills. This report is the baseline study for an impact evaluation of the digital skills of young beneficiaries of the Youth Employment and Skills Development Project, Phase 3 (PEJEDEC 3) in Côte d'Ivoire. This study, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, aims to fill this gap by providing a baseline assessment of the digital skills of young beneficiaries of PEJEDEC 3. In summary, the report highlights a low level of digital skills among young beneficiaries of PEJEDEC 3. It also highlights the high penetration of smartphones and social media, but also significant inequalities in access to more advanced digital tools, internet and AI use, and digital skills, influenced by gender, education level, place of residence, and language area. The results underscore the need for targeted digital skills training programs tailored to the specific needs of young people.