By Zeinabou Bagayoko
Founder of iCodeVillage and Tech Entrepreneur
Youth Entrepreneur at LLDC3
In Mali and across other landlocked developing countries, the future is being shaped by young people using technology to create opportunities where none existed before
Growing up in Mali, a landlocked country facing isolation and underdevelopment, I witnessed the transformative potential of digital innovation firsthand. Our communities have historically been marginalized due to limited access to markets, inadequate infrastructure, climate change's harsh realities, and instability in the region. However, I recognize immense opportunities amidst these challenges, particularly for our youth.
At iCodeVillage, where I serve as founder, I have witnessed how coding and digital literacy can transform the lives of young people, especially girls. Our training programs in coding, public speaking, and digital entrepreneurship empower youth to create their own solutions. These inspiring examples showcase how innovative young minds in Mali leverage digital entrepreneurship to tackle pressing economic challenges. iCodeVillage orchestrated a web development bootcamp for approximately 150 young participants from my community.
As a tech entrepreneur passionate about empowering young people, I firmly believe that digital technologies hold the key to unlocking sustainable development in landlocked developing countries like Mali.
Empowering and securing the safety of girls in tech is paramount.
Acknowledging the distinctive barriers confronting girls in the tech domain, I actively advocate for female participation by allocating more positions for girls within my community, thereby enhancing their opportunities. In line with the International Day of the Girl Child, I facilitated a specialized training program for 35 girls, encompassing the intricacies of blogging, digital marketing, and utilizing social media as an entrepreneurial tool. Following this initiative, a notable 25% of these girls embarked on further education in digital marketing, with many successfully establishing thriving businesses on social media platforms.
Currently, we’re in the planning phase of a project to combat tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Mali. In the Sahel region, a rapidly growing digital landscape has exposed vulnerable youth, particularly young women and girls, to the dangers of tech-facilitated gender-based violence. Our goal is to train young people, especially girls, on staying safe online, reporting incidents, and using digital tools to create safer online spaces. While we're still in the planning stage, I’m confident this project will make a significant impact in protecting and empowering our community.
While the potential for digital innovation in landlocked countries like Mali is immense, financing remains a significant hurdle.
Securing funds for iCodeVillage has been a challenge as a young female entrepreneur in Mali, where resources and opportunities for youth, especially women, are scarce. Traditional financing options were not accessible or had restrictive conditions. The financial constraints we faced at iCodeVillage affected everything from the scale of our operations to the speed at which we could implement new programs.
We sometimes had to put projects on hold because the funds simply weren’t there. But giving up was never an option. I knew that to overcome these challenges, I needed to think creatively and explore alternative financing methods. We started mobilizing funds by selling T-shirts to people and organizations who believed in our mission and were willing to invest in our potential, not just for financial returns but for the social impact we were making.
These experiences taught me that while financial challenges are real and overwhelming, they can also be overcome with persistence, creativity, and a willingness to explore non-traditional paths. It’s about turning obstacles into opportunities and never losing sight of the impact you want to create.
There is a need for investments in digital innovation hubs to empower modern entrepreneurs.
Businesses can also support initiatives like iCodeVillage by providing funding, mentorship, and resources to scale digital literacy programs. By equipping young people with the necessary skills, we can create a generation of innovators capable of addressing the unique challenges facing landlocked developing countries. Establishing innovation hubs in cities like Bamako can provide young entrepreneurs with the space, tools, and networks they need to develop and scale their ideas. These hubs can become centers of excellence, fostering a culture of innovation that drives sustainable development across the country.
Young people in LLDCs must take center-stage in guiding a vision for their future.
These efforts must incorporate the voices of local communities, particularly the youth, who are most affected by these initiatives. Our insights and participation will ensure that solutions are tailored to the needs of those on the ground, leading to more sustainable outcomes
In Mali and across other landlocked developing countries, the future is being shaped by young people using technology to create opportunities where none existed before. By investing in digital infrastructure, supporting capacity building, and fostering a culture of innovation, we can unlock the full potential of these countries and ensure that they are not left behind.
Zeinabou is a tech enthusiast with a strong desire to make a difference. She's all about using technology to empower young people, making sure they have the skills and opportunities they need. With a background in IT, she knows her stuff and is keen on shaping policies that ensure tech benefits everyone. Zeinabou also champions gender equality online, fighting against technology-enabled violence targeting women and girls
