The Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative began with a clear vision: to help more people, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, acquire the digital skills they need to thrive in today’s connected world. Launched in September 2019 through a partnership between ITU and Cisco, the Initiative has grown into a global effort to support communities left behind in the digital age.
From an initial network of nine centres, the DTCI has expanded to 14 Digital Transformation Centres across Africa, the Americas, the Arab States and the Asia-Pacific regions. These centres provide free training in basic and intermediate digital skills, including internationally accredited courses that empower learners to build confidence, find employment, start businesses, and engage safely and fully in an increasingly digital economy and society.
With the release of the five-year review of the DTC Initiative "Empowering communities through digital skills: Looking back, moving forward" (2020–2025), ITU and Cisco reflect on the Initiative’s success, the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships and cross-sectoral collaboration, as well as the lasting impact of investing in people’s digital capacities.
As we look to the future, ITU and Cisco remain committed to expanding the DTC network, fostering collaboration, and bridging the digital divide and digital skills gap, so that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from the opportunities of the digital age.
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