ILO Boosts Digital Skills for Refugees in Ethiopia

In a first, 216 refugees and host community members with 35% female graduates celebrated their graduation on 27 November 2025 from short-term and long-term digital skills training programs supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The training delivered at the Jigjiga Digital Innovation Hub, a centre jointly established by the ILO and the Somali Regional State Innovation and Technology Bureau, is part of the PROSPECTS Partnership funded by the Government of the Netherlands. The Hub aims to close the digital divide and create meaningful economic opportunities for both refugees and host communities by offering modern learning spaces and market-relevant training. This initiative of the ILO is being implemented in line with the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, which has recently been revised to the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy. The Digital Ethiopia 2030 prioritized digital infrastructure, connectivity and digital skills as key components that aim to create more opportunities for people, strengthen technological capabilities, expand key infrastructure, improve governance and drive economic development. The Digital Innovation Hub and its services support and strengthen the Government of Ethiopia's 2023 Global Refugee Forum GRF pledges and its commitment to the Inclusion of Refugees into Existing National Systems and Digital Connectivity and Access.

Expanding digital opportunities

Launched in June 2025, the Hub has provided free internet access, co-working spaces, and tailored digital skills long-term and short-term training programs to foster employment and entrepreneurship in this region. The establishment of the Digital Innovation Hub was informed by the research conducted in 2022 by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on Youth Employment Opportunities on the Digital Economy in Ethiopia: Afar and Somali Regions. The Hub is established to address the infrastructure and connectivity, digital skills, and employment opportunity challenges identified by this research. The Digital Innovation is serving as a center of connectivity, digital skills training, and a hub for employment. The Hub delivers a 3-month short-term and a 6-month long-term digital skills training program designed to equip refugees and host communities with market-relevant digital skills. The short-term digital skills training offers training programs that range from basic computer usage extending to Microsoft Suite, computer network and internet security, and entrepreneurship. The long-term digital skills training is designed to enable learners with advanced digital skills by delivering training courses focusing on advanced networking, computer maintenance,website development, graphic design, and digital social media marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Promoting decent work

Addressing the graduates, Dereje Alemu, Programme Officer for ILO Country Office Addis Ababa, said, "The skills today's graduates have acquired are not only simple technical competencies, but also, they are tools for empowerment. They represent pathways to decent work, whether through employment, freelancing, or starting their own ventures. They are skills that can help unlock the full economic potential of the Somali Regional State".

Dereje emphasized that the Hub's establishment aligns with the ILO's Country Development Programme, adopted by tripartite constituents in 2021, ensuring that PROSPECTS contributes meaningfully to Ethiopia's development priorities while promoting inclusive growth, labour rights, and productive employment.

Strengthening partnerships for youth engagement

Commending the technical and financial support of the ILO, Mahmud Hussen, Deputy Bureau Head, Somali Region Innovation and Technology Bureau, noted, "Our office is committed to strengthening the existing partnership in empowering youths in digital skills in the region."

Reflecting on the broader purpose of the programme, Marta Tsehay Sewasew, ILO National Programme Officer, highlighted how the initiative uses the digital economy to tackle youth unemployment. "Through this initiative, we are equipping young people with access to digital tools, digital skills, and employment opportunities that promote youth decent employment. Under the PROSPECTS Programme, exemplifying the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in action, creating sustainable livelihoods for the forcibly displaced and their hosts, ensuring no one is left behind in the future of work," she added.

Celebrating success

Graduates received certificates for completing the basic and advanced training. Some participants also earned awards for outstanding performance, including laptops to support their continued learning, job seeking, and to start digital startups.

One of them, Hodan Abdilahi Muse, a refugee from Somalia and single mother of three, expressed her gratitude, saying, "This training has given me confidence and a new set of opportunities. I believe these digital skills will help me move closer to securing the job I have always hoped for."

Sharmarke Shakib Ahmed, 27, from Jigjiga, was the top scorer after completing six months of advanced training. With increased confidence, he shared, "This training was incredibly valuable. The laptop I received will support my studies and allow me to work independently as a website developer with the advanced digital skills I have received. I encourage other young people in the Somali Region to seek similar opportunities and build their skills."

The ceremony gathered partners, including the Somali Regional Innovation and Technology Bureau, Jigjiga University (JJU), Jigjiga Polytechnic College (JPTC), Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) Official, development partners and civil society, affirming a shared commitment to inclusive digital transformation.

ILO received recognition from the Somali Region Government for its continued support in the Somali Region, promoting digital skills and employment for youth. The ILO will continue its operation and partnership in the Somali Region to expand its operation on digital skills, job linkage, and support digital startups to promote decent work for youth.