Sub-Saharan African countries are grappling with a severe digital skills shortage, posing significant challenges in meeting the growing demand for digital competencies expected by 2030. A recent report by the World Bank, Africa’s Pulse: An Analysis of Issues Shaping Africa’s Economic Future, paints a stark picture of the region’s readiness to adapt to the digital economy.
According to the report, Sub-Saharan Africa ranks poorly on the global Digital Skills Gap Index, with 12 of the world’s 20 weakest performers in digital skills located on the continent. In 2022, the region’s deficiency in digital literacy became more apparent, revealing that only 50% of African countries include computer skills in their school curricula, compared to 85% globally. This disparity threatens to widen the digital divide and hinder Africa’s ability to compete in the fast-paced global digital landscape.
A concerning factor highlighted in the report is the low level of formal digital training among graduates across Africa. Only 11% of Africa’s tertiary education graduates have received formal digital training, underscoring the urgent need for education reforms to address the skills gap. Without significant intervention, many of these graduates will be ill-prepared for the evolving demands of the workforce.
By 2030, the report projects that between 35-45% of jobs in Nigeria will require digital skills, a trend mirrored across Sub-Saharan Africa. Côte d’Ivoire and Rwanda are expected to see similar demand for digital competencies in 35-45% of jobs, while Mozambique’s job market will require digital skills in 20-25% of positions. Kenya, with its robust information and communication technology (ICT) sector and dynamic start-up ecosystem, stands out with an estimated 50-55% of jobs requiring digital skills by 2030.
The World Bank report also predicts that over 230 million jobs across Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills within the next six years. This growing demand underscores the critical need for reforms in digital education and the development of specialized skills to ensure the region’s workforce remains competitive.
However, the digital divide across Sub-Saharan Africa is not limited to education but extends across gender, geography, and socioeconomic lines. Only 40% of the region’s population has access to the internet, far below the global average of 66%. Urban areas, especially affluent households, enjoy greater access to digital technologies, while rural areas remain largely disconnected. This urban-rural divide creates further barriers to digital inclusion, limiting opportunities for economic growth in underserved communities.
The report also highlights the gender gap in digital access, with women 37% less likely than men to use mobile internet. This disparity limits women’s economic potential, as digital access is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for participation in modern economies. The gender digital divide remains one of the largest globally, requiring targeted interventions to ensure inclusive growth.
To bridge this widening skills gap, the World Bank has proposed several measures. These include developing country-specific digital skills frameworks, reforming digital education in technical and vocational training, and integrating digital literacy across all levels of education. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing the gender gap by ensuring that women have equal access to digital tools and resources. Additionally, improving affordable high-speed broadband connectivity in educational institutions is crucial for equipping the next generation with the skills they need.
Leveraging digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized learning is another recommendation, which could help tailor education and skills training to meet individual needs, especially in underserved areas. By investing in these reforms, Sub-Saharan Africa has the opportunity to harness the potential of its young workforce and play a significant role in the global digital economy.
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