DOT is a youth-led movement of daring social innovators who have the tools, knowledge, and networks to create opportunities and transform their own communities in Africa and the Middle East.

We believe in the power of youth-led innovation, that communities can be shaped by empowering youth to create sustainable initiatives inspired by community needs, and that social innovation is accelerated when supported by digital technology.

We work with youth, the private sector, governments, and community-based organizations towards a collaborative vision of communities around the world shaped by daring social innovators.

Our growing network of young people have created opportunities for 3 million people in communities across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Canada.

Founded in 2001, DOT is a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with a 'footprint' across 12 countries. DOT has locally managed offices in Africa, the Middle East; Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, Lebanon and Jordan; Canada and the UK, and we operate in Ghana, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia through partner networks.

Our Vision:
All underserved and disadvantaged young women and men realize their potential in an inclusive digital economy.

Our Mission:
Mobilize and inspire all underserved and disadvantaged young people with digital literacy, 21st-century skills and the self-confidence that will enable them to thrive in an inclusive digital economy.


DOT is a registered non-profit corporation in Canada, with charitable status under the Canadian Revenue Agency. 

DOT enables women to own and lead their vision for the future, and transform their communities into inclusive, resilient spaces where everyone can grow and thrive. DOT has championed digital inclusion for 20 years through grassroot-level empowerment in technology for livelihoods, reaching millions of youth in Africa and the Middle East. DOT’s programs have a particular focus on digital inclusion for women, young people, and other underserved communities.

Specifically, DOT is committed to

Youth: DOT’s trusted youth-led approach champions youth voices directly through experiential learning, co-design, youth advisory boards and youth journey mapping - an innovative and instrumental feedback mechanism allowing bespoke adjustments.

Gender: DOT bridges the gender digital divide in underserved communities by promoting gender inclusiveness and strengthening up to 70% women participation in digital upskilling.

Climate: DOT envisions a legion of youth working alongside governments, civil society, and the private sector to lead the green transition of their societies, promote sustainable development, and contribute to progress on SDG 13.

Digital Inclusion: Through DOT’s programs youth are gaining market-relevant digital skills for jobs, to launch and scale their business or social enterprise, and to thrive in the digital economy.

With a focus on mindset shifts and behaviour change, DOT’s adaptive approach evolves in response to changing digital and economic landscapes and trends, and the effects of climate change. Beginning with building community awareness, empowering local innovation and digital uptake, DOT defines impact as the comprehensive positive changes that occur at the micro, mezo, and macro level over the long term.
 

As an organization committed to digital inclusion, women’s empowerment and the potential of young people as leaders of change, Digital Opportunity Trust, and its network of thousands of young leaders, has reached over 3 million people globally. We commit to deliver digital literacy and 21st-century skills in the marginalized communities and schools of Africa and the Middle East, to reach an additional 1 million people by 2025.