Archives: post

DOT Climate Program: From Local Action to Global Impact

The global climate crisis is driving unparalleled change, leading to a shift in mindset among young people using the power of knowledge. A mindset shift, coupled with capacity building, is enabling youth to raise awareness and collaborate with communities to foster grassroots mobilization and collective action. The Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) climate project is demonstrating […]

The Good, the Gaps, and the Grind: Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs on their Journey to Success

Egyptian-American writer Suzy Kassem once wrote that “fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.” Luckily for Africa, this continent is not short of brave young people. To see that, one need look no further than the continent’s young entrepreneurs, who are sidestepping the lack of formal employment opportunities in their societies and boldly writing […]

Entrepreneurship is for Everyone: Stories of Resilience from Young African Entrepreneurs

Like millions of young Africans, Malawian Felix Kantande Nkhoma first became an entrepreneur out of necessity. “I started my business based on the experience of poverty,” he says. But as he hustled to build his small gaming center, Felix knew he wanted a life pointed towards something bigger than just surviving. “I am not poor, […]

Change Has a Ripple Effect

Over the next several years, the “Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future” project, a collaboration between Digital Opportunity Trust and the Mastercard Foundation, will equip 300,000 young Africans with the skills and mindset they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in a digital world.  But that kind of generation-altering transformation does not happen overnight. […]

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders, with Skills Today: Youth-Led Impact

July 19, 2024 —In a world fraught with challenges, youth stand as beacons of hope, wielding the power to shape tomorrow’s landscape. In this landscape, skills are key and collaboration is a must.  Recognizing the value of collaboration, Catalyst 2030 and its members are changing systems at all levels through collective action and bold new […]

Celebrating DOT Alumni on MSME Day!

June 27th, 2024 — Happy MSME Day! Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our DOT Alumni who have made significant strides in the world of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Their dedication, innovation, and resilience are truly inspiring, and we are proud to showcase their journeys and successes. Voices of Change: DOT Alumni […]

Digital Opportunity Trust and the Mastercard Foundation expand the impact of Going Beyond project with six youth-serving organizations in Malawi and Tanzania

Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) and the Mastercard Foundation are proud to reveal the six new partner organizations named to the “Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future” project. As the first partners, Hakizetu, Her Initiative, MHub, Mzuzu eHub, Sheria Kiganjani and Songambele will expand the reach and impact of the Going Beyond project in […]

We cannot wait, we will not wait. 

OTTAWA, Canada, April 12, 2024 — When teams from Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) met with hundreds of young people in four African countries last year, again and again we heard a consistent message.  From the rural Malawian teenagers walking two hours each way to and from school, to the aspiring Zambian app developers teaching themselves […]

Impact Makers Advisory Board (IMAB): Championing Innovative Financing for Youth

On March 21st, 2024, Digital Opportunity Trust hosted a virtual session called “Impact Makers Advisory Board (IMAB): Championing Innovative Financing for Youth” during the 68th Commission on the Status of Women. The #CSW68 event marked the launch of the next iteration of the Impact Makers Advisory Board (IMAB), with over 100 global attendees gathering to […]

Amplifying Youth Voices: Unveiling the Global Youth Leadership Advisory Board

March 27, 2024 ⎯⎯⎯ At the heart of DOT lies the Global Youth Leadership Advisory Board (GYLAB), a dynamic force dedicated to co-creating innovative solutions and amplifying youth voices. GYLAB takes center stage in co-design efforts, collaborating with young individuals to enhance the relevance and impact of DOT’s programs worldwide. Serving as Strategic Advisors, GYLAB […]