Technology Access Program (TAP)
Sustainable Technology Solutions
Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) is a youth-led, tech-oriented, non-profit, non-political, non-partisan, and non-religious civil society organization based in Tigray, Ethiopia. STS was established in 2023 in response to the devastating humanitarian and social impacts of the war in Tigray, with the conviction that technology can be a powerful tool for peacebuilding, inclusion, and sustainable human development.
STS works to bridge emergency response and long-term resilience by leveraging digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and youth leadership to address peacebuilding, social cohesion, transitional justice, gender inclusion, good governance, and youth and women empowerment. Through its Technology Access Program (TAP), STS develops context-responsive digital solutions, builds community capacity, and promotes ethical and inclusive use of technology.
Since its establishment, STS has partnered with national and international actors including USAID, Global Affairs Canada, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Search for Common Ground, Empathy for Life Integrated Development Association (ELiDA), ZOA, ACSOT ,and other local civil society networks. Its work—ranging from AI-based hate speech detection and digital storytelling for women to youth dialogue and digital literacy—has reached over 1,000 young people and gained global recognition, including the Pioneers SDGs Award 2025. STS envisions a digitalized and inclusive society where technology serves peace, justice, and sustainable development.
Our Interventions
Peace Building and Social Cohesion
STS advances youth-led peacebuilding by facilitating inclusive dialogue, mediation forums, and digital peace initiatives that strengthen social cohesion in post-conflict communities. Through technology-enabled platforms and trauma-informed approaches, STS empowers young people as agents of peace, supports reconciliation processes, and localizes the Youth–Peace–Security and Women, Peace and Security agendas by ensuring meaningful youth participation in peace and security policy discussions.
Youth and Women Empowerment
- Promoting meaningful and genuine youth participation especially in decision making
- Youth capacitation and skill injection thorugh trainings , events, workshops, forums, story telling, and coaching and mentorship mechanisms
- Promoting establishment of youth-led startup ventures and small enterprises and supporting innovations and idea incubation hubs
- Advocating for youth-friendly policies particularly through amplifying the youth voice on digital space, CSOs and government
- Promoting gender responsive right and need based programs and projects
Youth Empowerment, and Promoting Entreprenuership and and Social Enterprise
STS empowers young women and men to become self-reliant change-makers by combining leadership development, digital skills, and entrepreneurship support. Through innovation labs, business incubation, mentorship, and social enterprise development, STS enables youth to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while addressing social and community challenges. The organization promotes youth-led enterprises that integrate peace dividends, social impact, and ethical technology, contributing to economic recovery and long-term resilience in post-conflict contexts.
Countering Hate Speech, and False Information
STS addresses the spread of hate speech and misinformation through AI-assisted monitoring tools, digital literacy programs, and peace-oriented media campaigns. The organization works with youth, media actors, and civil society to promote responsible digital citizenship, counter harmful online narratives, and reduce the risk of violence fueled by misinformation, particularly in conflict-affected and polarized communities.
Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
STS integrates technology into mental health and psychosocial support programming to address trauma and promote healing among conflict-affected populations. Through digital storytelling, peer-support platforms, and capacity building for CSOs, STS creates safe, youth-friendly spaces that support emotional well-being, resilience, and recovery while reducing stigma around mental health.
Gender Equality, Women and Girls' Empowerment
STS promotes gender equality by amplifying the voices of women and girls through digital storytelling, leadership development, and inclusive technology programs. The organization works to close the digital gender gap, address online gender-based violence, and support women’s participation in peacebuilding, innovation, and decision-making processes, particularly in post-conflict settings.
Transitional Justice, Human Rights and Good Governance
STS supports transitional justice and human rights initiatives by developing digital tools for documentation, complaints handling, and civic engagement. The organization strengthens youth and civil society participation in justice and accountability processes, promotes awareness of rights and rule of law, and contributes to transparent, inclusive, and participatory governance systems.
Advocacy , Capacity Building and Institutional Development
STS advances evidence-based advocacy by engaging in policy-level dialogue, strategic communication, and public awareness initiatives that amplify youth and community voices. The organization conducts policy advocacy with government institutions, regional and international actors, produces press releases and position statements, and leads digital and offline campaigns on peace, youth inclusion, governance, and human rights. Through research-informed messaging, media engagement, and storytelling, STS bridges grassroots realities with policy spaces to influence decision-making and promote accountable, inclusive, and youth-responsive policies.
Cross Cutting Issue
Across all its interventions, STS applies strong cross-cutting principles that ensure inclusive, ethical, and conflict-sensitive programming. The organization mainstreams youth leadership, gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and the protection and meaningful participation of children, persons with disabilities, conflict-affected populations, and other marginalized groups. STS adopts conflict-sensitive, trauma-informed, and do-no-harm approaches, integrates safeguarding and child-protection standards, and promotes responsible and ethical use of technology. These cross-cutting commitments ensure that all STS programs are participatory, rights-based, and responsive to the complex social realities of post-conflict contexts.
Collaboration and Advocacy
At STS, we firmly believe that advocacy is a catalyst for change. We actively engage in advocating for sustainable development, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities in Tigray. Through strategic partnerships with civil society organizations, government agencies, and local communities, we work together to influence policies, address systemic issues, and promote inclusive development.
Capacity Building
Our Capacity Building Program strengthens the technical, organizational, and strategic competencies of individuals and institutions in Tigray. From grassroots CSOs to youth groups and government actors, we help partners develop the skills and systems they need to be more resilient, efficient, and responsive in a fast-changing environment.
Women Empowerment
As a technology-based organization, innovation is at the core of STS's approach. We strive to develop and implement innovative solutions that address pressing challenges in Tigray. Our team of experts and technologists work closely with local communities, conducting needs assessments and co-creating context-specific solutions.
DW International ማሕበራዊ ሚድያ ለሰላም
AI that detects hate speech and mis/disinformation has successfully validated!!!
Launching Our Innovative Technology in Peace Initiative
We empower communities to harness the power of technology through the Technology Access Program (TAP)
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Testimonials
“STS isn’t just building digital tools,they’re rebuilding trust and accountability in post-war Tigray. Through our partnership, I’ve seen how ethical tech strengthens civil society, restores dignity, and fights the misinformation that divides us.”
“STS has become a vital digital bridge between underserved communities and justice. Their trauma-informed, tech-powered peacebuilding is giving survivors a voice, promoting civic healing, and turning pain into purpose across Tigray.”
“With STS, women are not just included, they’re leading. from tech training to empowerment through graphic storytelling and advocacy, STS is redefining how women in Tigray engage with technology, peace, and policy.”
Our Partners
Photo Gallery
Location: Ayder 03, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia near Grand Technology Solutions