Digital Employability and
Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP)
•••
DEEP is a 9-month initiative equipping rural out-of-school youth, under 21, with the digital, entrepreneurial, and professional skills needed to succeed in the modern economy. Through hands-on training and real-world projects, participants build pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.
DEEP at a Glance
9 Months
intensive training
300% Increase
in apprentices’ monthly income (2025)
100%
secured an economic path forward
Why DEEP?
For many young people in rural East Africa, completing secondary school does not automatically lead to employment or economic opportunity. Limited access to technology, professional networks, practical experience, and market-relevant skills can make the transition from school to work especially difficult.
The Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP) helps bridge that gap. The program combines digital skills with entrepreneurship, employability, and leadership development, giving young people the tools to pursue meaningful work, start businesses, and contribute to their communities.
From Digital Skills to Economic Opportunity
DEEP goes beyond teaching young people how to use technology. Participants learn how to apply digital skills to real-world challenges and economic opportunities.
Through a combination of technical training, mentorship, hands-on projects, and professional development, participants build:
-
- Digital skills in areas such as AI, Python, web development, programming logic, and data
- Entrepreneurial skills to identify opportunities, develop business ideas, and create solutions
- Employability skills including workplace readiness, project management, professional communication, and portfolio development
- Financial skills including financial literacy and planning
- Professional confidence to communicate their skills, present their work, and navigate the transition into employment or entrepreneurship
This practical approach is reflected in Asante Africa’s Learn–Do–Teach methodology, where participants learn new skills, apply them through real projects, and use their knowledge to contribute to others.
A 9-Month Journey
DEEP is designed to move young people from learning to earning.
PREPARE
Build foundational computer, digital, professional, and financial skills.
BUILD
Develop in-demand technical skills in AI, Python, HTML & CSS, and programming logic.
CREATE
Explore entrepreneurship, identify opportunities, and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
APPLY
Put skills into practice through projects and capstone work while building professional portfolios and workplace readiness.
LAUNCH
Present their work, strengthen their professional identity, and prepare for employment, entrepreneurship, or further learning.
At the end of 9 months, participants complete the program with globally recognized certifications, hands-on field training, and practical skills to pursue employment or create their own opportunities in the digital economy.
Learning by Doing
A key part of DEEP is hands-on experience. Participants don’t simply complete lessons or earn certificates—they put their knowledge into practice.
Through projects, field experience, capstone assignments, and professional portfolios, young people develop tangible examples of what they can do. This gives them something to demonstrate to potential employers, clients, partners, or investors.
DEEP participants have gone on to use their skills in employment, technology, and entrepreneurship. For example, DEEP graduate Nancy used her digital skills to succeed in a formal job and became a resource for colleagues, while John applied his training in web development, AI, data, and digital entrepreneurship to help grow his family’s dairy business.
At its core, DEEP is about giving rural youth the ability to turn skills into opportunity.
Whether a participant uses their training to secure a job, launch a business, provide digital services, solve a community challenge, or continue their education, DEEP provides a foundation for greater economic independence and long-term growth.
The goal isn’t simply to teach young people about the digital economy. It’s to help them participate in it—and create opportunities for others along the way.
Is DEEP Right For You
Under 21
years old
Out-of-school youth
Live in a rural community
Live in Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda
Interested in gaining digital skills
Watch our social media channels or visit our opportunities page for recruitments in your areaÂ
What is the Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP)?
The Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP) is a 9-month initiative that equips out-of-school youth under 21 in rural East Africa with digital, entrepreneurship, employability, and professional skills to pursue employment or create their own economic opportunities.
Who can participate in the DEEP program?
DEEP is designed for out-of-school youth under 21 living in rural communities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Recruitment opportunities are announced through Asante Africa Foundation’s social media and communication channels.
What digital skills do young people learn through DEEP?
DEEP participants develop practical digital skills including artificial intelligence (AI), Python, HTML and CSS, programming logic, digital literacy, and data capabilities. The program also includes entrepreneurship, financial literacy, workplace readiness, project management, and professional communication.
Do DEEP participants receive certifications after completing the program?
Yes. After completing the 9-month program, participants can earn globally recognized certifications, including Asante Africa Foundation and, depending on their learning pathway, Google certifications. They also gain extensive field training, practical project experience, and professional portfolios.
How does DEEP help rural youth find employment or start businesses?
DEEP combines digital skills with entrepreneurship training, hands-on projects, field experience, workplace readiness, and professional development. In 2025, DEEP participants experienced a 300% increase in monthly income, and 100% secured an economic path forward through employment, entrepreneurship, further education, or other opportunities.