A groundbreaking work-study program is equipping young Senegalese with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy—proving that hands-on training can turn ambition into success.
Senegal has big plans for its digital future. The country is working to create a thriving tech ecosystem powered by innovation, entrepreneurship, and a highly skilled workforce. But to make this vision a reality, one major challenge remains: preparing young professionals for the fast-evolving digital job market.
That's where the West Africa Competitiveness Program (PACAO-Senegal) comes in.
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Funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), this initiative offers hands-on work-study training in information and communication technologies (ICT). The goal? To equip young talent with in-demand digital skills while giving local businesses access to fresh, innovative minds.
Mame Gadiaga: From Student to Web Developer
At just 21 years old, Mame Gadiaga has already turned her dream into reality—working as a web developer at Sabali.inc, an ICT company in Dakar. Her journey began when she seized the opportunity to join the three-month work-study program, which provided her with real-world experience and industry exposure.
"I was in my final year of web development training when my school director introduced us to this program. I jumped at the opportunity," Mame recalls.
Her impact at Sabali.inc was immediate.
"Mame completely redesigned our website, making it more professional and engaging. She's a jack-of-all-trades—she even does photography and takes initiative all the time!" says Milcos, co-founder of Sabali.inc.
For Mame, the experience wasn't just about coding—it was about confidence and personal growth. "Thanks to the program, I developed my soft skills and learned to stand out. I believe in myself so much more now," she says.
Baye Mbaye Lo: The Entrepreneurial Tech Whiz
At 28 years old, Baye Mbaye Lo has always been passionate about technology. His drive led him to the PACAO-Senegal work-study program, where he sharpened his skills in web development, coding, and network management.
During his internship at Xiif Xam Xam, a company specializing in ICT training, Baye Mbaye proved to be a game-changer.
"Thanks to him, we launched three internal applications," says Pape Coly Sarr, founder of Xiif Xam Xam. "This program has strengthened our technical team, and having PACAO-Senegal cover the interns' expenses was a huge advantage for us as a startup."
Beyond technical expertise, Baye Mbaye gained time management, stress management, and problem-solving skills—key qualities that set him apart. Now employed, he has even bigger dreams: launching his own ICT startup.
Mame and Baye Mbaye are just two of the 10 young professionals who secured jobs after completing the work-study program. Beyond tech, the program has empowered Mame to pursue another passion—fashion design, which she is now funding with her salary.
PACAO-Senegal proves that work-study programs can bridge the gap between education and employment, helping young people build careers while strengthening the digital economy. With initiatives like this, Senegal is not just preparing for the future—it's creating it.
