Promoting digital penetration and bridging the digital divide.

UNDP and Cisco have partnered to initiate an ICT and digital programme that would enhance the connectivity of key development sectors and institutions in the country. This initiative, which is supported by the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers, Cisco, and United Nations Development Programme, will directly benefit youth and equip them with the requisite skills, expertise, and knowledge on IT essentials, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) level 1, 2, 3, cyberobs Associate and DevNet Associate.

Within the first phase of the partnership, the Cisco company has offered a training of trainers (TOT) in IT essential for six engineers/trainers working for the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Training Center in Massawa and two UNDP IT staff. The online IT essential training comprised of 14 modules.  

"With this partnership and as part of Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility, the Cisco Network Academy will accelerate the development of the future workforce of Eritrea through the power of technology, education and innovation. Connectivity and access will create a highly skilled and competitive resources to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.” David A. Andemicael, Global Account Director, Cisco.                                                                                                                                                The aim of this partnership is to gradually boost innovation in all development sectors and activities, especially introducing innovation and technology, to enhance national economic competitiveness, transparency, accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness.

“UNDP Eritrea is committed in partnership with Cisco to support the country to enhance access to information and communications technology and design innovative and evidence-based ways of doing business.” said UNDP Deputy Representative Louis Kuukpen in his address during the inauguration of the 7-day training programme at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers.

UNDP places high importance in line with the GoSE strategies of enhancing digital connectivity and strengthening youth capacities to benefit institutions as well as encouraging Eritrean innovators to address development challenges through country-driven innovative solutions. Ultimately, this will lead to the implementation of a home-grown national approach adapted from global evidence and lessons learned, sharing results and experiences with each other along the way to accelerate both the country’s own progress and global achievements.

UNDP and NCEW expressed their gratitude to Cisco for initiating the timely and useful Cisco IT and networking certification training that would enhance the connectivity of the country’s development institutions and Mr. David Andemicael, Cisco, Global Account Director for his relentless support and guidance to make the training a reality.

People centred development in line with Government priorities of Leave no One Behind.