Locations
Young entrepreneurs and unemployed youth are gaining hands-on experience in digital printing, laser cutting, and 3D printing through the UNDP Digital Skills Programme at MakerSpace Innovation Hub
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, access to technology is the new currency of opportunity—but not everyone holds the key. While some ride the wave of innovation, others remain stranded on the shores of exclusion, unable to tap into the vast economic potential of the digital revolution. For thousands of young people in South Africa, particularly women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the gap between aspiration and access is wide. Bridging this divide is not just about connectivity; it’s about unlocking futures, fostering innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
Recognizing this urgent need, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been championing the Bridging the Digital Divide for an Inclusive Digital Economy project, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping unemployed youth, graduates, and entrepreneurs with the digital competencies required to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Since its inception in 2022, the programme has placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with a particular focus on empowering young women, who have historically faced systemic barriers to entering the technology and digital sectors. With the support of the Government of Japan and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), UNDP has provided cutting-edge digital training to over 3000 young people across South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The programme brought together unemployed youth, entrepreneurs, and employed young people seeking to upskill. Participants were introduced to a range of digital and emerging technologies—including coding, 3D modelling, design, digital marketing, Artificial Intelligence, and drone technology. This exposure enhanced their digital literacy and equipped them with in-demand skills, opening doors to greater economic empowerment and future employment opportunities. More than just training, the initiative focused on unlocking economic potential by linking trainees to internships and employment opportunities.
Empowering Youth Through Digital Skills
UNDP has provided digital skills training to 1,194 young people across South Africa, with over 700 of them securing jobs in various sectors, 40 entrepreneurs supported to leverage the digital economy, and nearly 2000 employed young people upskilled with additional skills for the future of work.
For many, this intervention was life-changing. Thobelani Nzama, a digital printing assistant at Barrows Global in KwaZulu-Natal, is a testament to the power of digital skills in transforming lives. Before partaking in the UNDP Digital Skills Programme, he had no prior experience with computers. However, through this initiative, he gained hands-on experience with various software programs and digital tools, equipping him with the skills needed for the job market. Upon completing the program, he was linked to an internship at Barrows Global, where he refined his expertise and transitioned into a full-time role as a digital printing assistant. Despite financial hardships that prevented him from completing university, Thobelani’s determination and the opportunities provided by the program have propelled him into a thriving career, proving that digital literacy can open doors to sustainable employment and economic empowerment.
From Crafting to Digital Marketing: Larinttia and Refentse’s Transformation
For South Africa’s small business sector, digital transformation is key to competitiveness. UNDP’s initiative has supported 40 entrepreneurs in embedding digital solutions into their businesses, enhancing productivity, market reach, and innovation.
Larinttia Madikana Morata, a young entrepreneur from Atteridgeville, Pretoria West, was among the many youths who benefited from this programme. As the founder of Larry Mor’ Design, a business specializing in African accessories, she had the creativity and passion but lacked the digital skills to effectively market her brand.
Through the programme, Larinttia learned how to design digital content using platforms like Canva, making her products more visible and appealing to online customers. With these skills she learned, she now showcases her work better, and her business future looks promising she is planning to “expand my business to include bridal headpieces,” she says. The training gave her the confidence to take her business to the next level, ensuring a stronger digital presence and greater market reach.
Refentse Matentji, another beneficiary of the programme, discovered her passion for crafting handbags at a young age. While her talent allowed her to create unique products, she struggled to market them effectively in the digital space. Recognizing the importance of online visibility, she enrolled in the programme with the hope of establishing her brand’s digital footprint.
Through the training, Matentji learned how to leverage social media for marketing and how to design compelling digital content to attract customers. The programme not only helped her improve her own business but also opened up new opportunities. “I now offer marketing and administrative services to the Ladies in Business Network,” she shares. Armed with skills she never had before, she is determined to help other businesses in her community build their digital presence, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and growth.
Scaling Impact Through the Future Skills Platform
Beyond formal training sessions, UNDP’s partnership with the Business Process Enabling South Africa, through their Future Skills Platform, has extended digital upskilling to nearly 2,000 additional young people. This online learning avenue enables self-paced training in emerging technologies, providing flexibility for learners who may not have access to in-person programs.
A Vision for a Digitally Inclusive Future
With 719 program graduates securing jobs and 40 entrepreneurs benefiting from digital literacy, UNDP’s initiative is demonstrating the transformative power of digital skills. This intervention is not just about closing the digital divide; it is about fostering an inclusive economy where young people, particularly women, can participate meaningfully in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
As UNDP continues to scale this initiative, the goal remains clear: to create a future where digital literacy is a tool for economic empowerment, unlocking opportunities for all. With continued support from partners and the private sector, the impact of this initiative will extend even further, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
