Belgian non-profit organization Close the Gap has officially soft-launched one of East Africa’s largest Digital Inclusion and Youth Innovation Hubs in Mombasa, with leaders describing the facility as a game-changer for youth empowerment, digital skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The launch, held on Belgium’s National Day, also marked the farewell of Belgium’s outgoing Ambassador to Kenya, Peter Maddens, who is concluding his five-year diplomatic tour in the country.
Speaking during the event, Ambassador Maddens said the hub represents Belgium’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s youthful population by creating opportunities through technology and innovation.
“We are here to soft launch the new Close the Gap Hub. This hub is of vital importance for various reasons. It creates opportunities for young people, and with 75 per cent of Kenya’s population being young people, this centre is very vital. It is a flagship project for Belgium,” said Maddens.
The ambassador encouraged young people to remain hopeful and pursue their ambitions despite challenges.
“To the Kenyan youth, don’t give up on your dreams,” he added.
Close the Gap Founder and Chief Executive Officer Olivier Vanden Eynde said the innovation hub has been established to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs by equipping young people with practical digital skills and supporting business start-ups.
“We want our youth to be job creators and not job seekers. This hub will be a centre for training and offering opportunities to our youth, especially in business start-ups,” he said.
Vanden Eynde noted that the project reflects the strong and enduring partnership between Belgium and Kenya.
“This is also a testimony to the good relations between Belgium and Kenya. The launch coincides with Belgium’s Independence Day, making it even more significant. It is also an opportunity to bid farewell to Ambassador Peter Maddens, who has been instrumental in supporting programmes that have benefited many young people during his five years in Kenya.”
Former Kenyan Ambassador to Belgium, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, emphasized the growing importance of digital technology in transforming livelihoods, particularly in rural communities.
“As ICT and digital technologies become increasingly important, especially in rural areas, facilities like this will help farmers understand how they can use technology to improve their products and livelihoods,” said Ndemo.
He said digital innovation hubs provide young people with access to learning resources that enhance education and career development.
“These hubs are instrumental in helping young people access digital learning materials that support both their education and careers. As a country, we need to invest more seriously in facilities that promote personalised learning powered by artificial intelligence.”
Ndemo further urged county governments and development partners to collaborate in expanding similar centres across the country.
“Counties should partner with different stakeholders to establish more facilities like this. We have many talented young people creating content on platforms such as TikTok. If we equip them with the necessary skills to monetize that content, we will not only empower them but also create sustainable livelihoods.”
The Close the Gap Digital Innovation Hub is expected to serve as a centre for digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development, providing thousands of young people with access to technology, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive in the digital economy.
