Business leaders across Africa emphasize the importance of empowering Gen Z with relevant digital skills of the future, according to an article in The Media Online [34f81a99]. It is highlighted that ICT certifications alone are not enough to meet the rate of change needed in the workplace. South African companies that hire and create jobs for young people with real-life practical skills that meet the current and future skills demands of business will succeed. The article emphasizes the growing demand for AI skills and the need to equip youth with essential AI skills for future employability and entrepreneurship. The partnership between the government and the business sector is critical to address the skills crisis. Huawei's LEAP program is mentioned as an example of providing practical, hands-on experience in addition to traditional training to prepare Gen Z for the digital landscape. The article also highlights the importance of teaching young people entrepreneurship skills, which fosters creativity, resilience, and a sense of agency. Low-code platforms are mentioned as a tool that can be used for simple tech skills development. The article concludes by stating that there is a massive demand for digital skills training in South Africa, particularly in the software development field [34f81a99].
Minister of Skills Audit and Development Paul Mavima has highlighted the importance of continuous skill development in Zimbabwe's National Development agenda, according to an article in The Herald [78b33703]. Mavima emphasized the need to capacitate training institutions to produce well-equipped professionals in various fields. The Ministry aims to bridge the gap between the skills being produced by training institutions and the skills needed in the economy. Minister Mavima stated that Zimbabwe has the potential to surpass its current vision of upper middle-income status and achieve high levels of economic and social prosperity. The Ministry of Skills Audit and Development envisions a skilled population that will transform the country and create an empowered and prosperous nation. Permanent Secretary Ambassador Rudo Chitiga also emphasized that human capital development is crucial for economic and social transformation [78b33703].
Investing in skills development is crucial for achieving inclusive growth and alleviating poverty, according to an opinion piece by Tom Mkhwanazi in City Press [cb4a9da8]. Mkhwanazi emphasizes that human capital development is essential for economic growth and reducing poverty.
Skills development plays a vital role in equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and abilities to participate in the workforce and contribute to the economy. By providing training and education opportunities, particularly to marginalized and disadvantaged groups, societies can empower individuals to improve their economic prospects and break the cycle of poverty.
Inclusive growth, which aims to ensure that the benefits of economic development are shared by all segments of society, requires a skilled and adaptable workforce. By investing in skills development, countries can enhance their productivity, competitiveness, and innovation capacity, leading to sustainable economic growth.
Furthermore, skills development can help address structural inequalities and promote social mobility. By providing individuals with the means to acquire new skills and upgrade their existing ones, societies can create pathways for upward mobility and reduce income disparities.
Mkhwanazi argues that skills development should be a priority for policymakers and calls for increased investment in education and training programs. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to ensure that skills development initiatives are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of the labor market.
On July 15, 2024, young people across the Commonwealth commemorated Youth Skills Day, emphasizing the importance of empowering young people with the necessary skills [312ee142]. The Commonwealth Secretariat highlighted the achievements of young people who have gained skills, knowledge, empowerment, and support from the Commonwealth Youth Programme over the last 50 years. The theme 'Youth Skills for Peace and Development' aligns with the focus of the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) in Apia, Samoa. The United Nations General Assembly declared July 15 as World Youth Skills Day. The Commonwealth has supported young people through various peace-building initiatives as part of the extended Commonwealth Year of Youth. The Commonwealth Youth Awards (CYA) for Excellence in Development Work recognizes and celebrates young people aged 15-29 spearheading impactful, sustainable development work in their communities. Achaleke Christian, a peacebuilding advocate in Cameroon, was recognized as the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year in 2016. The Commonwealth has established youth-led networks, including the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) and the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Network (CYSDP), to strengthen peacebuilding and social cohesion. The upcoming Commonwealth Youth Forum in Apia, Samoa will further emphasize the vital role of youth in addressing global challenges, including peacebuilding.
Skill development is the process of improving specific skills to be more efficient and effective when performing a task. Recent estimates suggest that 600 million jobs would have to be created over the next 15 years to meet youth employment needs. In 2021, approximately 75 million young people were unemployed, 408 million were employed, and 732 million were out of the labor force globally. The share of youth Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) in 2020 rose to 23.3 percent. The United Nations General Assembly declared July 15 as World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) in 2014. The theme for WYSD 2024 is “youth skills for peace and development.” The Secretary General of the UN emphasized the importance of equipping young people with skills for the green and digital economies, education to combat hate speech and misinformation, and tools for mediation and dialogue. The Skill, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Development (SEED) Mission is a unique initiative in India that trains youths and distributes toolkits for self-employment. WYSD events provide a platform for dialogue between young people, TVET institutions, firms, policymakers, and development partners. Strategically planned skill training can bring peace and development to society by engaging youths in constructive ways and fostering innovation and positive work. [37013d24] [cb4a9da8] [ea86beec] [312ee142]