Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation Backs Future Digital Leaders with New National Scholarship
The programme is a flagship component of the broader Digital Inclusion for Youth (DIY) Project, which aims to bridge Ethiopia’s digital divide by empowering youth through training, mentorship, and technological access in six cities: Addis Ababa, Mekelle, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Adama, and Debre Berhan.
The Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation has officially launched a national online scholarship programme aimed at equipping Ethiopia’s youth with the skills and connectivity needed to thrive in the digital age. The initiative is part of the broader Digital Inclusion for Youth (DIY) Project, which seeks to empower young people through access to digital education, mentorship, and online tools.
Announced earlier today by the Foundation, the scholarship programme will provide selected participants with access to in-demand online training, one-on-one coaching, mentorship opportunities, and 6GB of monthly mobile data for a full year. This support will enable participants to engage fully in their digital learning journeys, regardless of location or background.
The DIY Project is being implemented in six key cities—Addis Ababa, Mekelle, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Adama, and Debre Berhan—through a strategic partnership between Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia PLC, Vodafone Foundation, Amref Health Africa, and Gebeya Inc.
The first cohort of 500 scholars has already commenced training, following a rigorous selection process from a pool of more than 12,000 applicants. The programme prioritised diversity and inclusion, with scholars selected based on factors including education level, employment status, regional representation, and gender balance.
In addition to scholarships, the wider DIY Project will also enhance digital infrastructure in youth centres, roll out locally relevant online training content, and promote digital entrepreneurship. The goal is to reach over 75,000 youth across Ethiopia, with 1,000 beneficiaries receiving intensive scholarship support.
“This is more than a training initiative—it’s an investment in the future of Ethiopia’s digital economy,” the Foundation stated. “By removing barriers to access and supporting local talent, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.”
The initiative arrives at a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s digital transformation, signalling a strong public-private commitment to building a generation of skilled, connected youth.
