In Senegal's economic strategy, digital technology holds the key to growth. The West African country wants to create a dynamic digital ecosystem with a highly skilled workforce that drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness.

To harness that potential, Senegal faces a major challenge: developing a qualified workforce that meets market demands and adapts to rapid technological changes.

This is where a work-study training programme in information and communication technologies (ICT) plays a crucial role.

Mame Gadiaga: A passion for technology and fashion

At just 21 years old, Mame Gadiaga has already achieved one of her dreams—becoming a web developer at ICT company Sabali.inc. Thanks to a three-month work-study programme, she gained practical skills and invaluable professional experience. ‘I was in my final year of web development training and looking for an internship when our school director told us about the work-study program. I jumped at the opportunity,’ she recalls.

Mame’s impact on the company is already visible. ‘Mame completely redesigned our company’s website, making it more professional and attractive. Plus, she’s a jack-of-all-trades—she even does photography and takes a lot of great initiatives,’ says Milcos, co-founder of Sabali.inc.

For Mame, the work-study programme was a turning point: ‘Thanks to the programme, I developed my soft skills, which helped me stand out. I have much more confidence in myself now,’ she concludes.

A total of 83 learners have gone through this programme, implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with funding from the European Union.

The programme was initiated by the West Africa Competitiveness Program (PACAO-Senegal) at ITC.

Baye Mbaye Lo: A passion for ICT and an entrepreneurial spirit

Baye Mbaye Lo, 28, has always been passionate about technology. This passion led him to join PACAO-Senegal’s work-study training program, where he honed his web development skills. Baye Mbaye completed his internship at Xiif Xam Xam, a company specializing in ICT and entrepreneurship training.

Pape Coly Sarr, founder of Xiif Xam Xam, praises PACAO-Senegal’s initiative: “This program has strengthened our technical team. Throughout the training, PACAO-Senegal covered the interns’ expenses, which was a huge advantage for us as a startup. And as for Baye Mbaye—he’s simply incredible. Thanks to him, we launched three internal applications.”

A science graduate with an S2 baccalaureate, Baye Mbaye quickly stood out: “Through this training, I gained new knowledge in web development, coding, network management, and also learned how to work under pressure, manage stress, and optimize my time,” he explains.

Baye Mbaye and Mame are among the 10 young professionals hired after completing their work-study training. Baye Mbaye aspires to launch his own ICT startup in the future, while Mame is also pursuing her passion for fashion design—a training she is now funding with her salary.

PACAO-Senegal demonstrates that work-study programmes are a powerful tool to bridge market needs. Training talents like Mame and Baye Mbaye is essential to creating job opportunities for youth through digital technology.

2025, Dakar, Senegal – Baye Mbaye, web developer at Xiif Xam Xam.

Photo by ITC