By: Chané Fraser

What is the MiDO Foundation?

The MiDO Foundation is a South African non-profit that equips youth with digital and soft skills through community tech hubs and paid internships to boost employability and innovation. 

A Call for a New Revolution

This article draws parallels between the Soweto Uprising of 1976 and the current challenges facing African youth. Back then, young people fought against oppression in the streets. Today, the battle is digital. Africa's youth are now up against unemployment, inequality, poor education, and a lack of access to technology and the revolution needed is one of digital empowerment.

Digital Skills: A Missing Link

South Africa has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. Across developing countries, 1 in 5 young people are not in school or work. A major barrier? The lack of digital skills and digital citizenship. Without these, young people miss out on career opportunities, personal growth, and participation in today’s tech-driven economy.

Youth-Led Innovation Around the World

Globally, young innovators are using digital platforms to make change. In Qatar, youth from the Global Shapers Community are leading virtual conversations on the environment. Inspired by these efforts, African youth are launching initiatives to bridge the digital divide and respond to the growing demand for tech-savvy problem solvers.

African Startups Stepping Up

Across Africa, education-focused startups are creating new ways to teach and train. In Nigeria, the Lagos Hub offers hands-on digital training in areas like data analysis and hardware. In Kenya, Eneza Education is using mobile devices to deliver learning materials to thousands of students and teachers, helping drive the country’s Digital Literacy Programme forward.

MiDO Foundation: A Local Game-Changer

In South Africa, MiDO Technologies and the MiDO Foundation are aiming for a big impact. They understand that just putting computers in schools isn’t enough. Through community-based digital hubs, they’re providing in-depth training in coding, robotics, design, and digital media. They also teach soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and creative thinking, the very qualities needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

⁎ Reference Article Link: https://mido.org.za/africas-youth-needs-a-digital-revolution/