Madagascar has opened applications for a nationwide digital skills training program aimed at preparing young people for employment in the fast-growing technology and business process outsourcing sectors, as the country intensifies efforts to tackle youth unemployment and expand its digital economy.
The ASAN’AI program, which officially launched on January 23, 2026, will provide free, intensive training to 1,300 young Malagasy over a 15-month period. Structured across four cohorts, the initiative combines classroom learning with early workplace exposure, allowing participants to transition quickly from training into employment.
The first cohort, comprising 280 participants, will begin training immediately. From the third month, trainees will be progressively placed within partner companies to gain practical experience, while candidates with prior experience may be integrated directly into professional roles.
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Program organizers say the curriculum has been designed to reflect both current and anticipated labour market needs, particularly in digital services and business process outsourcing. The approach aims to ensure that participants acquire skills that are immediately relevant to employers, while also supporting sustainable, long-term employment.
ASAN’AI is being implemented in partnership with established companies operating in Madagascar’s outsourcing and digital services ecosystem, including Intelcia, Konecta, Connecteo and Concentrix. These firms are expected to absorb a significant number of trainees into full-time roles, reinforcing the program’s focus on direct job creation rather than training alone.
Eligibility criteria include holding at least a Baccalaureate, proficiency in French, basic computer literacy, and a strong commitment to completing the full training cycle. Applications are open until January 27, 2026.
The initiative comes as Madagascar seeks to position itself as a competitive destination for digital and outsourcing services in Africa, leveraging its young population and growing connectivity. By aligning skills development with private sector demand, ASAN’AI is intended to strengthen the country’s human capital while expanding opportunities for young people to participate in the digital economy.
Officials and partners behind the program say it represents a practical step toward reducing unemployment, improving workforce readiness, and increasing the role of digital services in Madagascar’s national economic development.