2024 in review
After a 2023 devoted to validating our reason for being, 2024 was the year of execution: moving from discovery workshops to a real programme, and launching our very first cohort.
Our roadmap came down to a few priorities:
- Forge the partnerships that would give our learners a framework and resources worthy of them.
- Officially launch the first IKOUĒ Academy cohort.
- Bring our community and partners together around a unifying event.
A new site, an assumed vision
As early as February, we launched our new site, lifting the veil on IKOUĒ’s long-term ambition. In the same momentum, a panel raised the question that guides us: how can technology become a lever for valuing human capital and for economic development in the Central African Republic?
Training resumes
In March, the training sessions resumed, with a focus on collaboration tools and teamwork. We were laying the groundwork for a structured curriculum.
The partnership with the ONI
In April, we signed a partnership with the Office National de l’Informatique (ONI). A turning point: this partnership gave us access to an equipped computer room, finally letting us combine theory and practice and lifting one of the two major challenges identified in late 2023, access to computers.
Including women
In June, we held our first information and orientation session dedicated to women, to shine a light on digital careers and the importance of their representation. Inclusion is not an option: it is a condition of the impact we aim for.
IDC24: blowing out our first candle
In July, we brought partners and community together for the IKOUĒ Developers Conference 2024 (IDC24), on the occasion of our first anniversary: a presentation of our achievements, major announcements, and wonderful encounters, including that of Murielle, whose journey would confirm the urgency of the need our future Connect pillar intends to address.
The first IKOUĒ Academy cohort
On 12 September, at the ONI, our very first IKOUĒ Academy cohort began. A symbolic milestone: after a year of preparation, Central African learners were embarking on a complete software development curriculum.
Recognition from decision-makers
After two months of training, the CEOs of the ONI, BGFI-Bank, Orange Centrafrique and Burval came to meet our learners, to discover their digital projects and commend the initiative. Seeing major economic players take an interest in the Central African talent we train was one of our proudest moments of the year.
The challenges for 2025
Thanks to the ONI, 2024 let us overcome the equipment challenge. Internet access and supporting our learners all the way to employment remain our priority work sites.
In 2025, we want to consolidate this first curriculum, carry our expertise onto new ground, and give shape to the vision of Connect, whose urgency journeys like Murielle’s confirm.
Thank you to those who keep this adventure alive: our learners, our trainers from the diaspora, and our partners, starting with the ONI and the Institut Pasteur de Bangui.