The Gabonese government has taken a significant step towards empowering young entrepreneurs with the launch of an artificial intelligence training program. On October 28, 2026, the Minister of SMEs and Entrepreneurship, Zenaba Gninga Chaning, officially inaugurated the program in Libreville, which aims to equip 100 young project leaders with the skills needed to develop their entrepreneurial ventures. The program is a collaboration between the government and strategic partners, including UNESCO and AKEWA Accélérateur.

The training program, which will run for three weeks, is being held at the Espace PME de Likouala, a specially equipped facility. The participants, comprising 25 young women and 75 young men aged between 18 and 45, will benefit from intensive training in artificial intelligence. The program's primary objective is to strengthen the competencies of the beneficiaries, enabling them to effectively develop their entrepreneurial projects and contribute to the country's economic growth.

The UNESCO representative resident, Patricio Zambrano, has expressed his organization's support for the initiative, praising the government's efforts to promote youth entrepreneurship. Zambrano emphasized the importance of such programs in helping Gabon regain control of its economic spaces and drive development. He also reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to accompanying national policies aimed at enhancing the financial autonomy of young entrepreneurs.

Minister Zenaba Gninga Chaning has urged the participants to remain committed and persevering throughout the training program. She stressed the significance of these training initiatives in the country's quest to regain control of its economy and build a brighter future. According to the minister, the ultimate goal is to empower young entrepreneurs to take ownership of the economy and contribute to the nation's development.

The program's implementation is being supported by strategic partners, including UNESCO and AKEWA Accélérateur. At the end of the training program, the participants are expected to receive financial support to help them turn their projects into reality. This move is expected to boost entrepreneurship and job creation in Gabon, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth.

The selection of participants for the program was based on their project proposals, with a focus on identifying young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and a strong passion for entrepreneurship. The program's curriculum has been designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications in entrepreneurship. Experts from various fields will provide training and mentorship to the participants throughout the program.

The launch of this AI training program is a significant milestone in Gabon's efforts to promote youth entrepreneurship and economic development. With the support of strategic partners, the program is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem. As the program progresses, it will be interesting to see the innovative projects that emerge and the impact they have on Gabon's economy.

Key points

  • The program aims to equip 100 young entrepreneurs with AI skills to develop their projects.
  • UNESCO has expressed support for the initiative, praising the government's efforts to promote youth entrepreneurship.
  • The program's beneficiaries will receive financial support to help them turn their projects into reality.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.