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By Denise Kyalwahi
As the Democratic Republic of the Congo seeks to diversify its economy, the digital sector is emerging as a major opportunity for its youth. In this interview with NATURELCD, Thierno Amar Niang, Chief Growth Officer for Francophone Africa at Gebeya, shares his vision of an Africa driven by human capital and emerging technologies.
NATURELCD: Hello, could you please introduce yourself?
Thierno Amar Niang:
Hello, my name is Thierno Amar Niang, and I am the Chief Growth Officer for Francophone Africa at Gebeya. I have been working in the technology sector for over a decade, with a very clear mission: to position Africa as a major player in the global digital economy by unlocking the value of its human capital.
At Gebeya, we are building an AI-powered infrastructure that enables freelancers, creators, and entrepreneurs across Africa to become full-fledged businesses. Through our AI agents, they can structure their activities, automate operations, and access international markets competitively.
NATURELCD: Many Congolese are aware of the country’s mineral wealth. How can digital talent also become a true source of wealth for the DRC?
Thierno Amar Niang:
Digital talent has a fundamental advantage: it is unlimited and renewable.
Unlike mineral resources, which are finite and subject to price fluctuations, human capital can grow exponentially. Every developer, designer, or content creator can continuously generate value without relying on physical resources.
If the ecosystem is properly structured—with the right skills, tools, and market access—digital talent can become a major source of foreign currency for the DRC. Thousands of freelancers can work with international clients, earn in foreign currencies, and reinject that wealth into the local economy.
This represents a deep transformation: moving from an extractive economy to a creative economy.
NATURELCD: What digital skills should young Congolese people develop today to access global freelancing opportunities?
Thierno Amar Niang:
There are two essential levels of skills.
First, technical skills: web and mobile development, UX/UI design, data, artificial intelligence, and digital content creation. These are directly monetizable on the global market.
But that’s not enough. Professional skills are equally critical: communicating with clients, structuring an offer, managing projects, meeting deadlines, and maintaining consistent quality.
Today’s top freelancers are not just technicians—they are individual entrepreneurs. That’s exactly what we aim to develop at Gebeya by combining technical expertise, operational discipline, and AI tools.
NATURELCD: How can artificial intelligence and remote work transform employment prospects for Congolese youth, especially in a context of high unemployment?
Thierno Amar Niang:
Artificial intelligence and remote work are completely redefining the concept of employment.
Today, a young person in Kinshasa no longer needs to wait for a local company to create a job. They can directly access global opportunities.
AI acts as a powerful accelerator. It increases productivity, speeds up delivery, and allows individuals to compete with larger teams. A freelancer equipped with the right tools can do the work of several people.
This creates a new reality: instead of a geographically limited job market, Congolese youth can now participate in a vast and dynamic global marketplace.
NATURELCD: What are the main obstacles preventing Congolese talent from thriving in the global digital economy, and how can they be addressed?
Thierno Amar Niang:
The challenges are well identified.
First, infrastructure: access to reliable internet, tools, and a proper working environment. Second, lack of structure: many talented individuals don’t know how to turn their skills into sustainable economic activities. Finally, access to markets remains a major barrier.
To overcome these challenges, a systemic approach is needed—combining training, tools, mentorship, and direct access to opportunities.
That’s where our approach at Gebeya comes in. Through our AI agents, we help freelancers structure their work, improve productivity, and meet international standards, while also building bridges to global markets.
NATURELCD: What concrete results do you expect from your training programs in Kinshasa and across the DRC?
Thierno Amar Niang:
In the short term, we aim for tangible outcomes: digital products created, first revenues generated, and freelancers able to position themselves on real opportunities.
But beyond that, our goal is to create a ripple effect—training a first generation that succeeds, inspires others, and proves that it’s possible.
At scale, this can help build a structured ecosystem: more talent, more digital businesses, and more value created locally.
NATURELCD: What message would you like to share with young Congolese who have digital skills but still doubt their ability to work with international clients?
Thierno Amar Niang:
I would tell them something very simple: your location is no longer a limitation.
What matters today is your ability to deliver value. If you have the skills, discipline, and the right tools, you can work with any client in the world.
Of course, it requires effort—continuous learning, strong communication, and maintaining high standards. But it is absolutely achievable.
The opportunity is real, and it is already being realized by many Africans.
The real question is no longer “Is it possible?” but “Are you ready to seize the opportunity?”
