(Ecofin Agency) - In Senegal, telecommunication operator Sonatel has opened its first free coding school on September 5, in Dakar. This is in partnership with Simplon.co, a European specialist in digital professions training. Named Sonatel Academy, the school materializes Sonatel’s commitment to develop Senegal’s digital ecosystem. 

Opened to young people from 18 to 30 years holding a Baccalaureate, Sonatel Academy, will prepare Senegalese to the challenges of digitization. The first batch of students to enter the school should begin classes in November this year. A digital referent course will be offered to these. This will make them “digital professionals able to meet primary needs related to IT or digital, of any given institution…” 

At the end of the course, each student will be equipped with set of skills needed in professions such “as web communication manager, junior consultant for paid and natural referencing, UX/UI designer, web ergonomist, growth Hacker, database manager, web integrator, digital mediator, webmaster”, Sonatel revealed. 

Selection of first students at Sonatel Academy started on September 5, on Sonatel Academy’s website. Deadline for closing of this process is October 5, 2017.