On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Transformation Foundation of Business and Technology (TFBT) hosted its highly anticipated CSR Dialogue themed “Bridging the Digital Divide – Skilling Youth, Strengthening Workforces.”
The virtual event brought together thought leaders, educators, development advocates, and industry experts to examine practical strategies for closing Africa’s digital gap and empowering the next generation.
The Dialogue underscored the critical reality that while technology is transforming economies worldwide, millions of African youths remain excluded due to limited access, infrastructure, and skills.
Speakers emphasized that this divide, if left unaddressed, would not only hinder national progress but also deepen socioeconomic inequalities. Against this backdrop, the Dialogue provided a platform for discussing solutions that move beyond theory to practical, community-driven interventions.
A major highlight of the Dialogue was the keynote address delivered by Eche Munonye — Publisher of CSR Reporters and a leading voice in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability across Africa. In his inspiring speech, Mr. Munonye underscored the urgency of tackling the digital divide as a shared societal responsibility. He emphasized that businesses must go beyond profit-making and actively invest in initiatives that uplift underserved communities. He noted that bridging the digital gap requires more than access to devices — it demands inclusive policies, sustained investment in youth development, and partnerships that create long-term impact.
Mr. Munonye also applauded the tuition-free model of Transformation Foundation as a practical example of how CSR can move from rhetoric to action, proving that organizations can play a transformative role in building a more equitable and sustainable future for Africa. His words resonated strongly with participants, setting the tone for a robust exchange of ideas and commitments throughout the Dialogue.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of aligning CSR with core business strategies, so that sustainability becomes a driver of innovation and resilience rather than an afterthought. They called for stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society, noting that no single stakeholder can solve the challenge alone.
The Dialogue concluded with a renewed sense of purpose: that bridging the digital divide is not simply a developmental goal but a moral imperative. By equipping young people with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital economy, Africa can unlock its vast human capital and create pathways to inclusive growth.
For Transformation Foundation, this mission is not just a programmatic initiative but a reflection of its core vision — raising a new generation of highly skilled professionals who can compete globally and contribute meaningfully to society.
Learn more about transformation college here.