The Frontier Tech Leaders Programme Celebrates the Kick-off of the 2nd Cohort of the Machine Learning Bootcamp and the Python Training Graduation in Djibouti
January 22, 2025

The event, hosted at the Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurship (CLE), convened distinguished guests, including government officials, UN representatives, and key figures from Djibouti’s digital and technological sectors. The ceremony also brought together graduating students and incoming participants of the second FTL Djibouti Machine Learning Bootcamp.
DJIBOUTI, January 16, 2025 — The Frontier Tech Leaders (FTL) Programme in Djibouti proudly marks a dual milestone with the launch of its 2nd Machine Learning (ML) bootcamp cohort, coupled with a ceremony celebrating the graduation of participants of the 2nd Python training.
The event, hosted at the Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurship (CLE), convened distinguished guests, including government officials, UN representatives, and key figures from Djibouti’s digital and technological sectors. The ceremony also brought together graduating students and incoming participants of the second FTL Djibouti Machine Learning Bootcamp.
Launched in January 2024, the FTL Programme Djibouti stands at the forefront of digital transformation, dedicated to equipping participants with essential digital skills and fostering innovation within Djibouti's growing technology ecosystem. To date, the programme has successfully delivered two Python training sessions and one Machine Learning bootcamp, graduating approximately 80 young professionals, including 27 women and 53 men. Building on this success, the programme is now welcoming its second Machine Learning Bootcamp cohort, where 67 promising students, including 20 women and 47 men, will embark on their journey.
The celebration drew high-level participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from Ministry of Finance and Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, Ministry Delegate for Digital Economy and Innovation, UNDP Djibouti, Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship, UNDP Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) and United Nations Technology Bank (UNTB).
As the ceremony continued, distinguished speakers shared their insights and support for the program’s success.
Mr. Abdourazak Ahmed Idriss, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance and Industry of the Republic of Djibouti; “The Frontier Tech Leaders Djibouti Programme is a cornerstone of our digital transformation strategy. It prepares our talent to meet the challenges of tomorrow and contribute actively to the growth of our digital economy.”
Mr. Abdallah Ibrahim Omar, Secretary-General of the Ministry Delegate for Digital Economy and Innovation, added, “Through this programme, we have laid the foundation for a dynamic and inclusive technological ecosystem that fosters skill development among our youth and promotes digital innovation”
Mr. Chehem Mohamed, Director of the Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship emphasized, “With this 2nd cohort, we expect even more ambitious projects, projects aligned with the orientations and key activities of our country.”
Mr. Philippe Clerc, UNDP Djibouti Deputy Resident Representative, spoke about the importance of empowering youth with digital skills: “Our aim is to train and equip a new generation of tech leaders, ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities.”
Ms. Gülçin Salıngan, UNDP ICPSD Deputy Director, “We believe FTL graduates will contribute to making Djibouti a regional technological hub by advancing skills and driving innovation.”
Mr. Gökhan Dikmener, UNDP ICPSD Technical Specialist mentioned, “The skills our new students will empower them to tackle global challenges and contribute to Djibouti’s vision of becoming a digital leader.”
Ms. Federica Irene Falomi, Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Technology Bank (UNTB) said, “The UN Technology Bank proudly stands with Djibouti and its partners in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship through technology.”
The event featured inspirational success stories from the first cohort's alumni, providing valuable insights for the incoming Machine Learning bootcamp participants.
Hibo Abdi Ali mentioned, “FTL Machine Learning Bootcamp was a real adventure. I learned how to build and apply models, understand complex concepts, and use tools that open incredible opportunities.”
Mahamad Ismail Mahamad shared with the new students, “If you are a student or graduate, this training can transform your path, just as it did for me. If you are already employed, this training is your chance to stay competitive.”
The ceremony concluded with the award of certificates to the 2nd Python training graduates, recognizing their successful completion of essential skills training to contribute to Djibouti’s expanding digital landscape.
As part of its ongoing commitment, FTL Djibouti is now preparing for its upcoming training programme for government officials, furthering its mission to foster technological innovation in Djibouti.