Bridging the Digital Skills Gap: How Directors and Team Leads Can Foster Growth Across All Skill Levels

In Uganda, as in many parts of the world, digital skills have become crucial for workplace success. From entry-level tasks to strategic decision-making, having digital know-how at various levels—basic, intermediate, and advanced—allows teams to remain competitive and responsive. Yet, the digital skills gap remains a challenge for many organizations.

A recent survey by the Ministry of ICT highlighted that nearly 70% of Ugandan businesses feel they lack the digital capabilities needed to reach their goals. In a digital economy, this gap can hinder innovation and growth. To address this, leaders and team leads play a pivotal role in guiding their teams toward building essential skills. Here are what I consider to be a few steps to take to support your team.

1. Start with a Skills Assessment

Assessing the current digital skills landscape within your team can help pinpoint areas for improvement. For instance, a Kampala-based fintech company used internal surveys to reveal that their team members needed basic Excel training to handle daily operations more effectively. Knowing where to start helps you invest in the right resources.

2. Set Achievable Goals and Provide Training

For basic skills like using office software, short workshops or online courses are ideal. For example, a recent initiative by Uganda’s National ICT Hub provided free digital literacy sessions, which helped employees become more confident in handling everyday digital tasks. You can adopt similar sessions within your organization.

3. Foster a Learning Culture

“Continuous learning is a mindset, not a moment,” says Emmanuel Mugabi,- Ngura SMC Consult ltd. Encouraging your team to engage with online learning platforms and creating knowledge-sharing sessions can go a long way. Monthly “Lunch and Learn” sessions allow employees to share new tools or techniques, fostering peer learning and collaboration.

4. Encourage Advanced Training for Future Leaders

For team members interested in advanced skills like data analysis or cybersecurity, consider investing in specialized courses. A director in a Gulu-based manufacturing firm noted that after his team lead took a course in data analysis, they were able to streamline operations and boost productivity. Empowering individuals with advanced skills can translate into strategic advantages for your organization.

5. Track Progress and Celebrate Wins

Use tools like Google Sheets to track training progress and celebrate milestones. Recognizing even small achievements reinforces the value of digital skills and keeps the team motivated.

Addressing the digital skills gap is essential for your at your workplace. By taking small, strategic steps, you can ensure your team is equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of an evolving digital landscape. As my friend Emmanuel Mugabi puts it, “Investing in digital skills isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about staying ahead.”