Michèle Traoré

Biography

Born in Timbuktu, Michèle identifies as a 'desert person' whose global journey has spanned four continents from the Pacific islands of Samoa to Luxembourg and Shanghai. She transitioned from international media to founding Kabakoo Academies, developing a new and praised approach of digital upskilling in West Africa. Her “Highdigenous” approach bridges indigenous knowledge with emerging technologies, demonstrating remarkable results: since 2019, more than 5000 youth have been able to meaningfully improve their lives via Kabakoo.
A 2025 Elevate Prize Winner, Michèle's vision has earned Kabakoo recognition, among others, as one of sixteen "Schools of the Future" by the World Economic Forum. In contexts where over 90% of youth must create their own livelihoods, she demonstrates that powerful innovation emerges when contextual expertise meets technological advancement. Through community-driven and digitally enabled upskilling, Michèle creates pathways to economic dignity for young Sahelians