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Youth

Harnessing Africa's Youth Dividend: Upskilling and Digital Inclusion for Economic Growth

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

By 2030, Africa will house 42 percent of the global youth population, with 602 million aged 15-34, according to the World Economic Forum. This demographic has the potential to drive innovation, but without proper training, it may fuel unemployment and unrest. Nigeria's youth, digitally savvy yet under-skilled, need immediate upskilling to harness the "youth dividend" and power economic growth across the continent.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nigeria's youth face a critical skills gap, with 3 in 4 lacking digital skills, according to the World Economic Forum, while McKinsey projects 230 million digital jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, requiring advanced proficiency.
  • By 2030, 39 percent of job skills will become obsolete due to automation, with AI potentially automating 30 percent of jobs in low-income countries like Nigeria, according to McKinsey.
  • The rise of AI and emerging technologies creates a pressing need for upskilling in premium skills like AI, big data, and UX/UI, to remain competitive in the job market.
  • Digital inclusion could add $1.5 trillion to Africa's GDP by 2030, according to Brookings, offering better livelihoods and sustainable development for skilled professionals.
  • Font Hall, a leading community-based tech talent accelerator, aims to train 200,000 industry-ready tech talents by 2030 through project-based learning solutions.
  • The 2-Day Virtual Tech Bootcamp, hosted by Font Hall and The Future Project, equips career professionals and tech enthusiasts with skills to thrive in a digital economy.

Statistics:

  • By 2030, Africa will house 42 percent of the global youth population, with 602 million aged 15-34, according to the World Economic Forum.
  • 39 percent of job skills will become obsolete by 2030, according to McKinsey.
  • AI has the potential to automate 30 percent of jobs in low-income countries like Nigeria, according to McKinsey.
  • Digital inclusion could add $1.5 trillion to Africa's GDP by 2030, according to Brookings.
  • Font Hall aims to train 200,000 industry-ready tech talents by 2030.

Sources:

  • World Economic Forum
  • McKinsey
  • Brookings
  • Font Hall
  • The Future Project
  • "Re-Imagining Your Career with Tech" 2-Day Virtual Tech Bootcamp

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