KIGALI, Rwanda, June 9, 2024 – As the Fourth Industrial Revolution gains momentum across Africa, the continent stands on the brink of a digital transformation set to create an estimated 230 million digital jobs by 2030.
To harness this potential, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the International Training Centre (ITCILO) and funded by the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of Luxembourg, hosted an e-learning workshop that brought together over 50 innovators. The workshop, titled “The Future of Digital Skills and Jobs in Africa,” was held on May 29, 2024, as part of the eLearning Africa Conference in Kigali, Rwanda.
The workshop utilized the foresight methodology, which involves systematic thinking about the future to inform present-day decision-making. Participants analyzed social, technological, economic, environmental, and political opportunities and challenges based on pre-defined scenarios to envision Africa’s digital landscape in 2050.
Yves Iradukunda, representing Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, highlighted the country’s ambition to become a leading hub of digital transformation. He emphasized Rwanda’s vision of training and employing future generations in the digital economy.
Alice Vozza and Fatima Elsanousi Sirelkhatim from the ILO shared insights from two ongoing projects aimed at developing digital skills and ensuring decent digital job access for youth in South Africa and Rwanda. These initiatives underscore the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
During the workshop, attendees collaborated through the foresight methodology to explore four future scenarios for Africa in 2050. This collaborative effort resulted in the development of four unique innovation proposals designed to harness the continent’s digitalization potential. Participants left the workshop with concrete action plans to address current challenges and pave the way for a more digitally inclusive future in South Africa, Rwanda, and beyond.
One participant noted, “It was emotionally engaging to witness the hard decisions involved in balancing innovation and digital skills training.”
The eLearning Africa Conference provided a platform for African innovators to envision a future where digital skills and jobs are accessible to all, contributing to the continent’s socio-economic development. As Africa continues to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, initiatives like this workshop are crucial in shaping a digitally inclusive future for the continent.