GROUP 7
8 MEMBERS
IMPLICATIONS OF DIGITAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCE FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN AFRICA
ECO112 GROUP PROJECT
MEMBERS
NWANA LOTANNA EDWARD 2402494
ODEY EBENEZER OCHUEDE 2402550
OGBONNA FAVOUR 2401542
OGUNSANYA PRECIOUS AYOMIDE 2401831
OKE GABRIELLE OLUWASEYIFUNMI 2400357
OKWUNWA NETOCHUKWU OLUWATOYIN 2403187
OKOGBUE PAULA EZINNE 2402705
OKEMEFULE FAVOUR KELECHI 2401319
IMPLICATIONS OF DIGITAL SKILLS AND
COMPETENCE FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN
AFRICA
INTRODUCTION
Digital skills have become a necessity in the 21st century
and technology is growing rapidly in Africa presenting
both barriers and openings for flowering youths. Africa
right now has 60% of its population being under the age
of 25 years and with youth empowerment through digital
skills, will help foster social and economic change,
enabling youths to become independent and advocate for
their rights. we can grip the full power of digital skills if
we instill it in our youths, enabling them grow with full
knowledge and competence of digital skills.
WHAT ARE DIGITAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCE?
digital skills at the most basic level, refers to the
essential skills needed to use computers and digital
devices and to access and manage information. however,
digital skills go beyond basic knowledge and cover more
complex set of skills. Digital competence refers to the
confident and critical usage of the full range of digital
technologies for information, communication and basic
problem-solving in all aspects of life. in a developing
country and a digital world, digital skills and competence
has become a tool for community and economic
development especially in Africa.
THE EVOLUTION OF DIGITAL SKILLS IN AFRICA
the evolution of digital skills in Africa were structured on
technology advancement, infrastructural development
and the struggles and success of the continent. over the
past decades, Africa has developed exceedingly,
technology wise. with this improvement, government,
individuals and youths depend on internet for work,
leisure and communication.
in the early 2000s, it was the urbanized regions that
had access to internet and technology. phones and digital
literacy were scarce. people in the rural areas who were
lucky to have had access to technology like computer's
didn’t have the knowledge to operate it. but this lack of
knowledge didn't move them because Africa as a country
didn’t have the resources and infrastructure needed to
teach digital skills. so, most of the teachings done during
that time was Microsoft word, spreadsheet, etc.
in the late 2000s, mobile phones were introduced which
built a foundation for digital growth. Africa hopped over
the landline phase that many developed countries had
because of the introduction of mobile phones. In the
2010s, mobile phones switched with smart phones which
enabled people to have easy access to the internet and
communication. the spread of mobile network fostered
the introduction of mobile services like, e-learning, e-
mail, etc. by 2010, youths were referred to as flowers
that will bloom once equipped with digital skills because
the need for digital literacy increased. programs for
teaching youths’ digital skills arose.
digital skills still brought about increase in educational
infrastructure with youth population increasing,
educational bodies have spread to different regions even
forming NGOs to ensure youths are equipped with digital
skills. with the advancement of technology in Africa, the
evolution of digital skill looks promising. although the
increase in the use of technology and internet, let’s not
forget other rural areas still not being developed. we
should ensure all youths from different regions are
trained and taught digital skills to prepare them for
challenges and job opportunities.
WHAT IS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT?
youth empowerment is the process of giving young
people the tools, chances, and encouragement they
require to take charge of their life, make wise decisions,
and engage fully in society is known as youth
empowerment. It entails giving young people the
information, abilities, and self-assurance they need to
overcome obstacles, follow their dreams, and make
constructive contributions to their communities and the
wider world. Youth empowerment is about empowering
young people to design their own destinies by providing
them with the resources, support, and chances they need
to achieve. It is an investment in human potential that
not only benefits young people's lives but also
contributes to the significance of youth empowerment
The following are some main reasons why youth
empowerment is important:
1. Development and Economic Growth; Young people
who are empowered are more inclined to support the
economy through employment or business ownership.
Youth empowerment creates a workforce that can propel
creativity and production by giving young people access
to resources, education, and skills. Empowering youth
through skill development, vocational training, and
entrepreneurship support can generate new economic
opportunities, lower poverty, and promote economic
resilience in Africa, where unemployment rates are high,
especially among young people.
2. Dealing with Poverty and Unemployment; The
high rates of joblessness and underemployment among
African youth are among their most urgent problems.
Youth empowerment programs can improve employment
and lower poverty by equipping young people with the
necessary abilities, information, and resources. Skills
development can prepare youths to enter the workforce
and become self-sufficient, especially in lucrative sectors
like technology, agriculture, and health. Programs for
youth entrepreneurship can also assist young people in
starting their own companies, which can reduce reliance
on government assistance programs and help create
jobs.
[Link] the Digital Divide: Empowering youth with
digital skills ensures that Africa keeps pace with the
global economy and helps to narrow the technology gap
between urban and rural areas. This access can bridge
social divides, allowing more young people to benefit
from economic growth
[Link] Competitiveness: As the world becomes more
digital, African nations need a workforce skilled in
technology to remain competitive on a global scale. A
digitally skilled youth population can attract international
investment, especially in industries like ICT, banking, and
services.
[Link] Access to Information and Education:
Digital skills open doors to learning resources, online
courses, and educational content that might otherwise be
out of reach. Youth can gain knowledge, stay informed
about global trends, and make better decisions for their
personal and professional lives.
[Link] and Civic Engagement: Technology enables
young people to engage more actively in social and civic
issues. From using social media to advocate for change to
accessing platforms for political and social discussion,
digital skills can amplify their voices and encourage
active citizenship.
[Link] in the Digital Economy: A digitally skilled
workforce is crucial for adapting to shifts in the economy.
As industries evolve and automation takes hold, youth
with digital skills are more adaptable and resilient, able to
pivot as new technologies emerge.
[Link] of Digital Literacy in Families and
Communities: Youth who acquire digital skills often
share their knowledge with family members and
communities. This ripple effect raises overall digital
literacy, helping older generations adapt to the digital
age and increasing tech inclusivity across various
demographics.
[Link] Local Content Creation: Digital skills
enable youth to produce culturally relevant content, from
websites and apps in local languages to media that
represents African perspectives. This not only preserves
cultural identity but also caters to local audiences,
fostering a digital ecosystem that resonates with African
realities.
[Link] Diaspora Investments and
Knowledge: When African youth have strong digital
skills, it encourages members of the African diaspora to
invest in local tech projects or return to collaborate.
Skilled youth can work with or attract diaspora
entrepreneurs and investors who bring global expertise
and funding back to their home countries.
THE DEVELOOPMENT AND GROWTH THE SOCIETY WOULD FACE IF
YOUTHS WERE EMPOWERED
Real youth empowerment would probably lead to
revolutionary societal development and progress that
would impact many facets of society, from social equality
and innovation to economic prosperity. Giving young
people the tools, self-assurance, and chances to take an
active role in their communities, drive change, and make
significant contributions to the advancement of society is
the goal of youth empowerment. This is how it might play
out:
1. Innovation and Economic Growth
-Entrepreneurship and Job Creation: Young people are
more likely to launch firms, generate employment, and
spur innovation when they are given access to
mentorship, resources, and education. Young people are
frequently more risk-takers, and their novel viewpoints
can inspire new businesses, technological advancements,
and fixes for enduring issues.
-Skilled Workforce: Society would develop a highly skilled,
flexible, and progressive workforce by making
investments in education and training. Higher
productivity and more competitive industries would result
from this, especially in sectors that are crucial to the
future of the global economy like technology, green
energy, and digital platforms.
2. Social Advancement and Inclusivity
-Decrease in Social Inequality: Youth empowerment can
aid in dismantling barriers to inequality. Young people
from underserved communities can improve their own
lives and make significant contributions to society when
they have access to economic, medical, and educational
possibilities. This helps to lower social inequality and
poverty in general.
-Civic Engagement and Social Justice: Youth who feel
empowered are more likely to support human rights,
participate in social justice campaigns, and strive for
more inclusive communities. They might also serve as
impetuses for changes in the legal, medical, and
educational systems.
[Link] advancements
-Focus on Relevant Skills: Empowering young people can
help the education system grow to suit their needs and
future demands. A change toward practical, skills-based
education, such as digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and
critical thinking, can better prepare students for future
difficulties, resulting in a more skilled and adaptable
workforce.
-Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: Empowerment entails
ensuring that young people have ongoing learning
opportunities throughout their life. This will allow
students to adapt to rapid technological and societal
changes while also creating a culture of lifelong learning
and intellectual growth.
[Link] and wellbeing
-Improved Mental Health Support: Empowerment entails
giving young people access to mental health resources
and decreasing stigma surrounding mental health. This
can result in a healthier, more robust generation capable
of dealing with stress, anxiety, and other psychological
issues.
-Physical Health Initiatives: Empowering kids includes
fostering physical well-being. Engaging young people in
sports, nutrition, and wellness programs can lead to
better lifestyles, lower healthcare expenditures, and a
culture of prevention.
By empowering youth, society obtains a more
involved, diversified, and purposeful generation capable
of meeting future difficulties while building on previous
victories. Empowered kids have the potential to drive
innovation, promote social justice, and contribute to a
more sustainable and equitable world. Their active
participation in all parts of life—economic, social, political,
and cultural—would result in a more dynamic, resilient,
and forward-thinking society capable of thriving in a
constantly changing world.
