Mestres do Digital enters a new phase and reaches more municipalities

The Mestres do Digital programme has entered a new phase of nationwide expansion. The initiative aims to strengthen digital skills across the population and promote safer and more independent access to public digital services.

Led by the Agency for Technological Reform of the State (ARTE) as part of the Digital Skills Pact, the initiative is now expanding to new municipalities, building on the strong results achieved during the pilot phase in 2025.

The latest national rollout began in Maia on 17 April 2026 and will continue across different regions of the country over the coming months.

What is Mestres do Digital?

The programme was created to help citizens develop the skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and independently. Its main objective is to promote digital inclusion by equipping people with the practical knowledge needed to access public services and use the state's digital tools with confidence.

The sessions are free of charge, delivered in person and open to everyone, with no previous digital experience required.

Key topics include:

• Safe internet use and personal data protection;
• Activation and use of the Digital Mobile Key;
• Accessing public services through the gov.pt portal and mobile app;
• Developing essential digital skills for everyday life.

From pilot project to nationwide expansion:

By 2025, the pilot phase had delivered 38 training sessions across the country, reaching 1,665 participants and contributing to the activation of 516 new Digital Mobile Keys.

Based on these results, the programme is now entering a new national expansion phase, strengthening collaboration between the central public administration, local authorities and community organisations.

This initiative is part of the national digital upskilling goals set out in the Digital Skills Pact and the Portugal Digital Strategy.

How the sessions work

Training sessions follow a practical, accessible format designed to help participants solve everyday challenges related to digital services.

Activities are delivered in partnership with:

• Municipalities and parish councils;
• Citizens’ Shops and Citizens’ Spaces;
• Higher education institutions;
• Senior universities;
• Schools and local associations;
• Other community-based public spaces.

The aim is to ensure that digital training reaches people from different backgrounds and communities across the country.

Training is also available through the NAU platform.

Alongside in-person sessions, ARTE also offers online learning opportunities through the NAU platform.

The Mestres do Digital courses are structured across three learning levels — Explorer, Navigator and Specialist — and can be accessed free of charge anytime, anywhere.