Digital Bridge: Accelerating Inclusion in a Digital World

Digital Bridge: Accelerating Inclusion in a Digital World

Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Kenya is thrilled to announce the Digital Bridge Project, funded through the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF)—a collaboration between USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, managed by CARE, the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, and the GSMA Foundation. Selected among the top 10 awardees from over 1,300 applications worldwide, this remarkable milestone reflects DOT’s unwavering commitment to closing the gender digital divide and empowering underserved youth in Kenya and Ethiopia.

The Digital Gender Divide in Kenya and Ethiopia

In Kenya, 43% of women face barriers to digital inclusion, such as limited internet access and lower digital literacy compared to men. Similarly, in Ethiopia, only 11% of women have digital access, compared to 20% of men (UN Women and Fondazione Aurora). These figures highlight the urgent need to address systemic inequalities and create opportunities for women and marginalized youth to thrive in the digital economy.

What is the Digital Bridge Project?

Running from November 2024 to April 2026, the Digital Bridge Project will tackle critical barriers to digital inclusion, including access to digital tools, skills, and safe online experiences. The project will provide 10,000 young women and men (70% women) with the knowledge and skills required to use technology effectively for both professional and personal development. By fostering entrepreneurial, leadership, and digital competencies, the project aims to empower participants to become change-makers in their communities.

Through collaborative efforts with community-based organizations (CBOs) and a peer-to-peer delivery model, DOT Kenya and DOT Ethiopia will ensure that underserved youth gain the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape confidently and contribute to their local economies.

Building Toward a Shared Vision

As we advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), the Digital Bridge Project represents a significant step toward bridging the digital divide. With the support of WiDEF, DOT Kenya and DOT Ethiopia are driving forward gender equality and fostering an inclusive digital economy where everyone can thrive.

Stay connected with us for inspiring updates and stories from this transformative initiative by following DOT Kenya on social media.

About WiDEF

The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) is a joint effort between USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate progress on closing the gender digital divide. WiDEF is also supported by global anchor partners: Microsoft, the Reliance Foundation, and a growing pool of strategic partners. WiDEF identifies, directly funds, and advances investment in proven solutions to close the gender digital divide, improving women’s livelihoods, economic security, and resilience. WiDEF is managed by CARE, the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, and the GSMA Foundation. Learn more at: https://widef.global/.