Askiya

Haile Selassie I once said, "The purpose of university training is to produce people capable of achieving the progress and advancement of the nation." In today's digital economy, investing in work-integrated learning programs is essential for emerging economies to thrive and drive meaningful progress and advancement. Work-integrated learning programs equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the digital economy by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By nurturing a skilled workforce that understands the causes of societal ills and possesses effective remedies, emerging economies can foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Let's empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and determination to drive progress and advancement in their nations. #WorkforceDevelopment #EducationStrategies #WorkIntegratedLearning #DigitalEconomy #EmergingEconomies

???? Workforce Development: A Catalyst for Community Development ???? In emerging economies, workforce development programs are not just crucial for individual skill-building; they are a powerful strategy for community development. They play a vital role in supporting emerging economies by equipping individuals with industry-specific skills. They should be viewed as a community development strategy and we should evaluate their impact using the Result-based Accountability (RBA) methodology. ?? These programs not only benefit individuals but also have a significant impact on the overall community and economy. Here's why: 1?? Job Creation: A skilled workforce is a catalyst for job creation. Workforce development programs equip individuals with the skills needed to fill job vacancies within emerging industries. By providing industry-specific training, workforce development programs improve productivity and efficiency within organizations. As more individuals gain employment, local businesses flourish, and new economic opportunities arise, leading to industry growth, innovation sustainable economic growth. 2?? Workforce Retention and Attraction: Emerging economies face the challenge of retaining talent and attracting skilled workers. By investing in workforce development programs, organizations can cultivate a pool of skilled workers, making the community an attractive destination for both local and international businesses. ?? When evaluating the results of workforce development programs using the RBA methodology, it's important to focus on outcomes that demonstrate how participants "are better off." Here are some examples: 1?? Increased Employment Rates: Measure the percentage of program participants who secure employment within a specific timeframe after completing the program. This indicates the program's effectiveness in connecting individuals with job opportunities. 2?? Higher Earnings: Assess the average increase in participants' income after completing the program, demonstrating their improved financial well-being and the economic impact of the program. 3?? Industry-specific Skills Acquisition: Evaluate participants' proficiency in industry-specific skills before and after the program. This showcases the program's success in equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in specific industries. ?? For organizations providing training, especially in emerging economies, workforce development programs are crucial for driving economic development and building a skilled workforce. By aligning training with specific industry needs, these programs have a direct and tangible impact on the community and the economy at large. ?? Let's support and advocate for workforce development programs that align with emerging economies' needs. ??? #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment #RBA #EmergingEconomies

African markets hold great potential for companies seeking to expand their reach and increase sales. However, many face challenges in realizing the profits they desire due to a lack of local infrastructure, capabilities, and workforce support. The key to unlocking success in African markets lies in investing in infrastructure, cultural understanding, regulatory compliance, talent acquisition, logistics, political stability, and market competition. By proactively addressing these challenges and leveraging local partnerships and resources, companies can navigate the complexities of African markets and unlock their full potential for growth, establish a strong presence in African markets and drive long-term success. Rather than viewing Africa as a market to exploit, let's invest in building a foundation for sustainable growth and maximizing sales margins. #Africa #BusinessGrowth #Investment #SustainableGrowth #MarketExpansion

Training organizations often receive substantial funding, in the form of thousands or even millions of dollars, to provide individuals with valuable skills. However, there is a concerning trend where these organizations lack plans or knowledge on how to guide their graduates into meaningful employment opportunities. ?? As a result, these organizations end up producing graduates with an abundance of education and skills but without the means to effectively utilize their newfound knowledge or certifications. ?? If you find yourself in a position within one of these organizations, tasked with training individuals for economic mobility, it is crucial to ask yourself and your team: How will these individuals be better off in the next 6-12 months? What specific outcomes can we attribute to our efforts? ?? If you cannot confidently answer these questions, it is imperative to pause and reconsider your approach. Continuing without a clear plan may inadvertently cause more harm than good. ?? Let's prioritize empowering individuals with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they truly need to succeed, ensuring that our efforts lead to tangible and meaningful outcomes. #TrainingOrganizations #EducationForEmployment #Empowerment #SkillsDevelopment

???? Why Companies Shouldn't Make Empty Promises to Africa ???? Africa, a continent rich in talent and potential, has experienced its fair share of broken promises when it comes to employment opportunities and economic mobility. Companies must understand the frustration and exhaustion that arises from empty commitments of job creation and economic growth without concrete actions. Africa deserves more than just rhetoric. Here's why companies should stay out of Africa with their empty promises and instead focus on creating genuine employment pathways within African communities and ecosystems. 1?? Building Trust: Empty promises erode trust and hinder progress. African communities have heard countless grand declarations of investment and development, only to be left disappointed and disillusioned. Companies that truly wish to make a positive impact should focus on fostering trust through transparency, accountability, and delivering on their commitments. 2?? Local Empowerment: Africa possesses a wealth of talent and expertise that often goes untapped due to a lack of opportunities. Instead of making hollow promises, companies should actively seek to empower local communities by creating employment pathways and investing in skills development programs. This way, Africans can utilize their certifications and credentials to contribute to their own communities' growth. 3?? Sustainable Partnerships: True progress can only be achieved through sustainable partnerships. Companies that genuinely want to make a difference in Africa should collaborate with local organizations, governments, and educational institutions to create long-term employment opportunities. By actively engaging with the local ecosystem, companies can ensure that their initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of African communities. 4?? Skills Development: Companies must recognize the importance of skills development in driving economic growth. Instead of merely demanding certifications, they should invest in training programs that enhance the capabilities of Africans. By equipping individuals with relevant skills, companies can create a workforce that is not only certified but also adaptable and ready to contribute effectively. 5?? Inclusive Growth: Companies should prioritize inclusive growth by promoting diversity and equal opportunities. This means actively recruiting and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with certifications. By embracing diversity, companies can tap into a wide range of perspectives and experiences, fostering innovation and driving sustainable development. Africa is tired of empty promises. It's time for companies to step up and take concrete actions to create employment opportunities and economic mobility within African communities. We deserves real opportunities for growth and prosperity. Let's work together to make it happen! ???? #skillforopportunity #employmentequity

Software and industry-specific training and certifications have proven to be highly effective in North America and the EU. This success can be attributed to several key factors: 1?? **Robust Infrastructure**: These regions have well-established infrastructure to support training programs, including educational institutions, industry partnerships, and technology resources, facilitating effective learning experiences. 2?? **Industry Collaboration**: Close collaboration between training providers and industry stakeholders ensures that training programs are aligned with current industry needs and trends, enhancing the relevance and applicability of the skills acquired. 3?? **Quality Standards**: Adherence to high-quality standards and accreditation processes ensures that training and certifications meet industry benchmarks, instilling confidence in employers and learners about the value of the credentials obtained. 4?? **Continuous Innovation**: Embracing innovation and staying abreast of technological advancements allows training programs to evolve and adapt to changing industry landscapes, equipping learners with relevant and up-to-date skills. 5?? **Career Pathways**: Clear and well-defined career pathways connected to the training programs provide learners with a sense of direction and purpose, motivating them to pursue and complete their training with clear goals in mind. This year, I find myself questioning why similar approaches cannot be applied to emerging markets like West Africa. Many organizations are emerging, promising to replicate the success seen in the West within emerging countries. The majority of their strategic approach, which often includes large amounts of capital investments is often time entirely focused on providing training, shying away from other critical elements. Building a successful ecosystem in emerging markets requires more than just training and awareness of your industry or technology. It demands a comprehensive understanding of the local workforce, analysis of skills gaps within the market, and strategic planning to bridge those gaps effectively. It is concerning that the aspirations of Africans for socioeconomic mobility and equity are often exploited as a tool, without the necessary investment and commitment to address the broader ecosystem challenges. To truly empower emerging markets like West Africa, we must go beyond training and certifications. We need to invest in building sustainable ecosystems, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, and supporting local talent development initiatives. Let's work together to ensure that the promise of socioeconomic mobility and equity becomes a reality in emerging markets, by addressing the systemic challenges and creating opportunities for long-term growth and prosperity. #EmergingMarkets #SkillsDevelopment #Equity #SocioeconomicMobility ##TrainingSuccess #IndustryPartnerships #QualityStandards #careerdevelopmentcoaching

?? ?? ?? As we approach the end of this transformative year, AskiaTech reflects on the incredible journey we've embarked upon with the goal of empowering West Africans in the digital landscape. We are not just a digital career accelerator; we are a community of enthusiasts driven by the mission to create self-sustaining ecosystems for West Africans. In collaboration with ASKIYA, a nonprofit dedicated to this cause, AskiaTech stands as a beacon of hope, providing skills, training, and resources to foster self-reliance. With over 30 years of collective experience in high-tech, our team believes in contributing to the global community by creating pathways to financial stability through technology. To our students, your achievements resonate with the spirit of resilience and determination. As you navigate our immersive digital career accelerator programs, envision a future where you become integral players in the global digital industry. Remember, every challenge overcome is a step towards a stronger local economy and a brighter future for West Africa. We are also thankful to our Mentor Volunteers spending their valuable time and effort in coaching, mentoring and supporting the Students in their Salesforce Journey. Looking forward to your continual support in future as well. In the spirit of the New Year, let's continue this journey together, transcending boundaries and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. ?? Happy New Year, Trailblazers! ?? ??