New initiative to offer digital skills in 7 African countries
With Africa’s young population expected to grow in the coming years, digital skills are seen as critical to enable them to compete in the global economy. Smart Africa has rolled out an initiative that seeks to offer the skills of the future. For more, CNBC Africa’s Julius Bizimungu spoke to Lacina Kone, the Director General of Smart Africa.
Wed, 23 Mar 2022 10:25:47 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- Smart Africa launches Digital Academy initiative in 7 countries to provide digital skills training to prepare the youth for the fourth industrial revolution
- The program encompasses multiple layers targeting decision-makers, technical experts, entrepreneurs, and the general public, with a focus on STEM education from primary to adulthood
- Promoting educational reform to align curriculum with market demands, Smart Africa aims to bridge the foundational skills gap and drive a mindset shift towards technology adoption
In an effort to equip Africa's young population with essential digital skills for the future, Smart Africa has introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the educational gap and preparing the continent for the demands of the fourth industrial revolution. The Smart Africa Digital Academy, conceptualized as a result of Burkina Faso's capacity building initiative, is currently being piloted in seven countries across the region. The initiative was officially launched during the Council of ICT Ministers in Congo Brazzaville, with Rwanda leading the way in implementing the program. Lacina Kone, the Director General of Smart Africa, highlighted the importance of education in the face of technological advancements, emphasizing the need for vocational training and digital literacy to equip the future workforce. The academy comprises multiple layers catering to decision-makers, technical experts, entrepreneurs, and the general public, with a focus on STEM education from primary school to adulthood. Kone stressed the urgency of educational reform in aligning the curriculum with market demands to ensure that African youth are competitive on a global scale. By addressing the foundational skills gap and promoting a shift in mindset towards embracing technology, Smart Africa aims to prepare the continent for a digital-first future. While acknowledging the challenges posed by limited resources, Kone remains optimistic about Africa's capacity to catch up with the rest of the world, emphasizing the importance of courage in driving educational reform. Despite a predominant focus on sectors like fintech and agri-tech in terms of investment, Kone advocates for increased attention to edutech and digital skills enhancement, citing education as the cornerstone of Africa's technological advancement. By investing in the education sector and fostering a culture of innovation, Africa can position itself as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship, driving sustainable growth and development across the continent.
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