The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced CBP Home, a mobile application designed to facilitate the voluntary departure of undocumented immigrants.

The initiative, part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration strategy, aims to encourage self-deportation while conserving enforcement resources.

The app, an evolution of the CBP One platform previously used for asylum applications, allows users to declare their intent to leave the U.S. voluntarily.

By opting for self-deportation, individuals may avoid the legal consequences of forced removal, potentially preserving their eligibility for future legal entry.

Users must submit personal information, including a photograph, biographical details, and proof of financial means to leave.

DHS officials state that this digital tool will streamline departures, reducing the burden on U.S. immigration enforcement agencies.

Kristi Noem, homeland security secretary described the app as an opportunity for individuals to exit on their own terms, saying, “The CBP Home app gives aliens the option to leave now and self-deport, so they may still have the opportunity to return legally in the future and live the American dream.”

To promote the initiative, the U.S. government has launched a $200 million domestic and international advertising campaign urging undocumented migrants to “Stay Out and Leave Now.” The campaign aligns with the administration’s goal of restoring integrity to the immigration system and prioritising enforcement against individuals deemed security threats.

While the administration presents CBP Home as a humane alternative to detention and forced deportation, immigration experts remain cautious about its potential impact.

Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh of the Migration Policy Institute stated that the program’s success depends on public awareness and individuals’ willingness to participate.

The app is now available for free on mobile application stores, with automatic updates provided to existing CBP One users.

As the U.S. government continues to refine its immigration policies, the CBP Home app marks a significant shift toward technology-driven enforcement measures.

The IgniteHer Bootcamp, a flagship initiative by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), concluded successfully on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Over the course of five impactful days, the program empowered 90 female entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, skills, and networks to build and scale successful businesses. Through expert-led sessions and hands-on learning, participants gained practical insights into business development, financial management, and digital transformation.

The IgniteHer Bootcamp was specifically designed to foster digital literacy, market opportunities, and the use of technology while addressing systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in entrepreneurship.

It aimed to bridge the gender gap in business and technology, equip women with critical business knowledge in financial management, business planning, and sustainability, provide access to mentorship opportunities and industry experts to support business growth. Each day of the bootcamp delivered high-impact value, ensuring participants left with actionable strategies to strengthen their entrepreneurial journey.

The first day focused on understanding gender disparity in business. Participants explored systemic barriers limiting women in entrepreneurship, including funding gaps and societal biases, while gaining strategies to overcome these challenges.

The second day delved into the fundamentals of a business plan, break-even business analysis, and the Lean Business Model Canvas, along with a practical session on setting SMART goals, enabling participants to develop structured business plans.

On the third day, the focus was on digital literacy, the use of cloud storage, online communication, internet safety, and human resource and financial management. In addition, there were practical sessions on the use of digital tools for content creation, bookkeeping, and business management.

The fourth day explored digital transformation and business growth, where entrepreneurs learned how to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to scale their businesses, covering digital branding, digital marketing, and essential digital tools for operational efficiency.

The final day featured a panel discussion with industry experts—a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist—moderated by an ecosystem accelerator who shared insights on business growth, funding opportunities, and overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship.

The session concluded with an open discussion, allowing participants to reflect on their learning and plan their next steps. The bootcamp was highly interactive, with participants engaging in discussions, practical exercises, and real-world case studies.

Many participants shared their key learnings on LinkedIn and other platforms, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact.

One participant, Imaobong Edukere, shared her experience, stating: “The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been an incredibly transformative experience for me.

It’s my first time being in a strong network of like-minded women entrepreneurs and drinking from their knowledge… I now feel more prepared to implement what I’ve learned and make a lasting impact in society.

Thank you, NITDA and JICA, for this valuable growth, timely support, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—I have just been IGNITED!” Another participant, Hadiza Isah Mohammed, wrote: “Hello, good morning everyone. This is one of the most inspirational bootcamps I’ve ever attended. I was at the point of dropping my dreams because everything seemed not to work, but I’ve been ignited and ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organizers.”

The initiative fostered a strong network of women entrepreneurs, promoting mentorship and long-term collaboration. The session ended with a vote of thanks from the Special Assistant to the Director General of NITDA, stressing the open opportunity for a tour to Japan for select businesses and startups who will have the opportunity to participate in a startup event in Japan scheduled for August 2025.

This event provides a unique opportunity to network and partner with Japanese companies. Participants have been provided a link to apply their learnings and submit a pitch deck or business plan on their respective and prospective companies. Indeed, NITDA is ready to handhold these businesses to make an impact in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic growth.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the IgniteHer Bootcamp stands as a transformative program, driving progress in bridging the gender gap in business and empowering women to thrive in the digital economy.

Intelsat operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks and educational resource provider MaxIQ Space, are expanding efforts to deliver Intelsat’s Africa Space STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) Program to schools in four different countries across Africa.

The program, now in its fifth year, aims to increase to a total of 12 schools and expand to include in-person learning for students in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Senegal.

Participants will receive in-person, in-community learning with subject matter experts on Space STEM curriculum mixed with innovative STEM kits, hands-on training, and exclusive resources to integrate space science, sustainability and IoT education into their classrooms.

The newly adapted 2025 program is focused on empowering schools and educators to build a lasting impact on African education systems, ensuring thousands of students gain the skills and inspiration needed to thrive in STEM careers. STEM skills build a future-ready workforce, advancing national development goals and boost technological capabilities.

“As a pioneer in satellite technology, Intelsat remains committed to maximizing its contribution by inspiring the next generation and connecting African students to real-world applications of space technology,” said Rhys Morgan, RVP of the EMEA region for Intelsat.

“With Africa emerging as a key frontier for space infrastructure, it is essential to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive this transformation. We are honored to play a role in preparing the young generation for this future,” said Judi Sandrock, program manager at MaxIQ Space.

Schools and teachers in the four participating countries are invited to apply now for this fully funded opportunity to bring real-world space education into their classrooms. The deadline for applying is March 31st, 2025.