Downsides of Upskilling Programs in Africa's Digital Landscape.

With Africa’s booming youth population, youth employability is a pressing concern for the continent, particularly in the rapidly evolving world of work.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, where digitalization and the corresponding skill sets are gaining significance in the transformative process of economies, the role of digitalization in shaping labour markets and economies, both at a regional and global level, cannot be underestimated.

Upskilling programs have emerged as a popular solution to bridge the digital skills gap and prepare the workforce for the future.        

Africa is experiencing a digital revolution, with digital skills becoming increasingly crucial for employability. Upskilling programs have emerged as a popular solution to bridge the digital skills gap and prepare the workforce for the future. However, despite their potential, these programs come with inherent challenges that require consideration. Here's a closer look at the downsides of upskilling programs in the African context;

Limited Job Market and Skill Mismatch:

• A 2023 World Bank report highlights the concern of a skills mismatch. Upskilling programs might churn out graduates in fields with limited job opportunities. This can be particularly true during economic downturns, as seen in Africa with the decline in white-collar job openings.
• Upskilling programs might churn out graduates with skills that don't align with available jobs. A 2022 Deloitte report indicates that 87% of African CEOs struggle to find candidates with the right digital skills for their businesses. This highlights the need for better data-driven planning to ensure upskilling programs target in-demand skills.

The need for better data-driven planning to ensure upskilling programs target in-demand skills.        

Accessibility and Cost:

• According to the World Bank, only 34.3% of Africans have access to the internet in 2023. This digital divide hinders participation in online upskilling programs, exacerbating existing inequalities and limiting access for those in rural areas.
• Upskilling programs, especially intensive boot camps, can be expensive. Mastercard's research shows that 42% of Africans lack the financial resources to pursue further education and training. This cost factor can exclude deserving candidates and perpetuate socio-economic disparities.

Focus on Technical Skills:

• An overemphasis on technical skills like coding can neglect crucial soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These broader competencies are essential for workplace success across all industries (World Bank).
• The digital landscape is constantly changing. By the time graduates complete programs, the required skillset may have evolved, potentially rendering their newly acquired skills obsolete (PwC). Upskilling programs need to be adaptable and emphasize lifelong learning.

By the time graduates complete programs, the required skillset may have evolved, potentially rendering their newly acquired skills obsolete (PwC).        

The World Economic Forum (WEF) data identified I.C.T, Engineering, and Sciences as core STEM fields, and their prevalence in the workforce of different African countries was examined. Egypt (6.85%), South Africa (5.7%), Congo (3.53%), and Nigeria (2.83%) stand out as the nations with the highest share of STEM fields in their workforce, indicating a greater need for digital skills in these regions.

With regard to demand for digital skills Egypt (31%), South Africa (25%), Nigeria (12%), and Congo (11%) emerge as the top four African countries with the highest demand for digital skills.

These findings present a promising outlook for job seekers and policymakers, highlighting potential opportunities for skill development and economic growth in these nations.

A Roadmap for Africa's Upskilling Journey: Tailoring Programs for Diverse Demographics and Communities

Upskilling Africa's workforce requires a nuanced approach that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by different demographics and communities.

Needs Assessment and Segmentation:

• Conducting comprehensive research to understand the specific skill gaps and aspirations of various demographics (youth, women, rural populations) and communities (urban centres, agricultural regions).
• Partnering with local organizations and community leaders to gain insights into the challenges faced by different groups.

Demography-Specific Strategies:

• Youth: Leveraging gamified learning platforms and mobile applications to increase engagement and cater to shorter attention spans also integrating entrepreneurship training alongside technical skills to empower young people to create their jobs.
• Women: Offering childcare and flexible learning schedules to address childcare responsibilities that often hinder participation. Designing programs that address unconscious bias in the workplace and equip women with negotiation and leadership skills.
• Rural Populations: Developing offline or low-bandwidth learning modules that are accessible in areas with limited internet connectivity. Focusing on skills relevant to local industries, such as digital agriculture or e-commerce for rural entrepreneurs.

Community-Driven Learning:

• Partnering with local vocational schools and community centres to create training hubs that are easily accessible.
• Encouraging peer-to-peer learning and mentorship programs to leverage the knowledge and experience within communities.
• Developing localized content in indigenous languages to overcome language barriers and ensure cultural relevance.

Sustainability and Monitoring:

• Encouraging public-private partnerships to share costs and ensure program sustainability.
• Develop clear metrics to track program effectiveness and measure progress towards achieving skill gaps.
• Providing ongoing support services to graduates to help them find employment or launch their businesses.

                                   Upskilling needs a Holistic Approach!