Nigeria and Cape Verde have officially launched the African Digital Corridor (ADC), a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation across digital technology, trade and innovation sectors.
The launch, which took place in Abuja, is being led by SheCode Africa (SheCode.ai), and marks a major step in building inclusive digital economies and driving youth-centred innovation across the continent.
The ADC project aims to deliver skills training to 500 secondary school girls in Cape Verde, equipping them with knowledge in artificial intelligence, coding, and emerging technologies. The launch signals a broader ambition to transform human capital and infrastructure across Africa through strategic partnerships, digital trade, and youth empowerment.
High-Level Dialogue and Launch in Abuja
The official launch featured a high-level roundtable involving over 35 government officials, innovators, investors, and technology leaders, co-hosted with Cape Verde’s Ministry of Digital Economy.
Participants discussed themes ranging from the future of African innovation and digital diplomacy to gender inclusion and the integration of AI in education and entrepreneurship.
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A central focus of the initiative is the ‘Code the Future – Cape Verde Rising’ programme. The pilot will be delivered in Portuguese and is designed to introduce STEM education, teacher training, and a national youth tech showcase across three islands in Cape Verde.
Government Support and Strategic Vision
The programme received formal endorsement from the Government of Cape Verde, with a letter of support issued by the Ministry of Digital Economy. The endorsement recognises SheCode.ai’s flagship initiative as a cornerstone investment in the country’s youth and future digital workforce.
Pedro Lopes, Cape Verde’s Secretary of State for the Digital Economy, described the Corridor as a “powerful demonstration of Africa’s ability to lead its own digital future.”
He added: “This is more than a training programme—it is a vision for how countries can collaborate on digital development and make innovation a shared language.”
Speaking at the event, Engr. Christiana Onoja, Co-founder and Chief Executive of SheCode.ai, said: “The Corridor is a blueprint for how to translate diplomacy into action. This model is scalable, practical, and built to support meaningful outcomes for young people—especially girls—in the digital economy.”
Colonel Felix Alaita (Rtd), Chief Executive of Kryterion Limited, the Nigerian facilitation partner, highlighted Nigeria’s emerging role as a driver of “innovation diplomacy” on the continent.
Forward-Looking Trade Mission and Sectoral Partnerships
The ADC initiative is set to expand with a Nigeria–Cape Verde Business and Innovation Mission planned for the final quarter of 2025, to be held in Praia, Cape Verde’s capital. The mission is expected to attract 20 to 25 Nigerian companies, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
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Sectors earmarked for collaboration include: Digital and creative economy, Tourism and hospitality, Renewable energy, Education and youth employment, Climate resilience and infrastructure.
The mission will also explore avenues for advancing digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthening Africa’s position in global innovation networks.
Digital Infrastructure and Investment Catalyst
Analysts suggest the African Digital Corridor could stimulate infrastructure investment, including fibre-optic expansion, data centres, and cross-border connectivity. The project leverages Cape Verde’s existing digital strengths—particularly its TechPark CV, a regional hub hosting major firms such as Microsoft and Starlink.
Nigeria, meanwhile, boasts one of the continent’s fastest-growing e-commerce sectors, estimated at £7.3 billion ($9.35bn) in 2025, and is spearheading Africa’s digital policy framework under the AfCFTA.
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An Inclusive Digital Future for Africa
The launch of the African Digital Corridor is being widely viewed as a template for South-South cooperation, exploring the potential of intra-African collaboration to address shared challenges in education, employment, and innovation.
By placing women and girls at the heart of its coding and AI curriculum, the initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on gender equality and quality education.
