In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, the role of technology has become indispensable in shaping our lives and the way we work. This vast technological advancement presents endless opportunities, especially for the younger generation. Thus, different countries are exploring the significant role of digital technology in creating job prospects for youths, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly digital world and easing their lifestyle.
According to experts in the field, the digital technology has pervaded every aspect of our lives, from communication to commerce, education to entertainment. Its impact has been particularly profound in the job market, where it has opened up new avenues and transformed existing industries. With the rapid growth of e-commerce, the rise of social media and the increasing reliance on automation and artificial intelligence, youths has never had a better opportunity to harness the power of digital technology.
Digital technology offers unprecedented opportunities for young entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses. Platforms like e-commerce marketplaces, social media, and freelancing websites provide a global marketplace for their products and services. By leveraging digital platforms, youths can bypass traditional barriers to entry and reach a broader customer base, allowing them to showcase their talent and drive economic growth.
Recently, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MoIT) has urged citizens to unlock job opportunities available online following the advancement of the digital sector.
MoIT State Minister Yisherun Alemayehu (PhD) told The Ethiopian Herald that the government has been investing in manpower, facilitating infrastructure and supporting the private sector to invest and increase their participation to realize ‘Digital Ethiopia 2025’.
Accordingly, the implementation of technologies has been contributing to ensure the accessibility and inclusiveness of transportation and other sector services thereby it has been playing positive economic role. The government is committed to support the expansion efforts of technologies in all sectors and encourage the private sector to join.
“In Ethiopia, the digital technology sector has easily made job opportunities accessible so that new graduates, private sector and others can exploit the digital technology sector since it offers unique jobs. We should develop technology skills and experience. In this regard, the government has been encouraging local technology expansion for own consumption and economic value by interpreting and analyzing the data,” he said.
Furthermore, Yisherun elucidated that the existing technologies are not sufficient to deliver efficient services as it requires bringing or applying new technologies that would increase the accessibility and inclusiveness in each sector.
Implementing these technologies saves time, increases efficiency, creates jobs, improves security and others, he elaborated.
At the same pace as this, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) has disclosed that it is striving for realizing the national economic development through providing the science and technology sector with standardized education and training.
AASTU President Dereje Engida (PhD) said that the university has been working hard on making the university as hub of science and technology in Africa in the years to come.
As to him, conducting problem solving researches, adopting knowledge and technology, building capacity and national science and technology center are among the priority missions of AASTU.
AASTU has a strong stance to reinforce universities-industry linkages thereby boosting technology and innovation. Besides, quality should be focused to realize the ambition of the university and the nation at large.
“Among others, artificial intelligence and robotics, biotechnology and bio-processing, construction quality, mining exploration, and sustainable renewable energy are among the areas to be made centers of excellence,” he added.
He further stated that the university is working on quality management system to ensure world class competitive institutions in various areas such as producing competitive employees at the international level.
The university is also eying on laboratory facilities for making industries and other areas competitive and helps them bring fundamental change in science and technology sectors.
“The university has been awarding and providing employees, who serve the university in the past ten years, with thanksgiving program .Capitalizing on science and technology would be the viable means thereby provoking eagerness to another mission and realizing national ambition in science and technology sectors keeping better quality, Dereje underlined.
The experts recommended that, to effectively utilize the job opportunities created by digital technology, youths must acquire the necessary skills and competencies. With the wide availability of online resources, digital training programs, and coding boot camps, acquiring digital skills has become more attainable than ever before. Whether it’s learning to code, mastering graphic design software, or understanding digital marketing strategies, these skills equip youths with the tools needed to thrive in the digital job market.
The digital age has given rise to numerous job opportunities that were nonexistent a decade ago. Industries such as e-commerce, digital marketing, software development, and data analytics have experienced exponential growth. These sectors offer a wide range of positions, from entry-level to highly specialized roles. Young individuals who possess digital skills are well-positioned to secure lucrative jobs that provide growth opportunities and long-term career prospects.
Moreover, while digital technology has the potential to create jobs for youths, it is essential to bridge the digital divide that exists among different communities. Access to the internet, computer literacy, and affordability of digital tools and resources vary widely across regions and socioeconomic backgrounds. To harness the full potential of digital technology, efforts must be made to ensure equal opportunities for all youths, regardless of their background.
In sum, recognizing the crucial role of digital technology in job creation, governments and the private sector are actively investing in initiatives to empower youths. Programs such as digital literacy campaigns, subsidized training courses, and entrepreneurship development schemes are being implemented to bridge the skill gap and foster a digitally capable workforce. Collaboration between stakeholders is vital to create an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable job growth.
The fast-paced nature of technology necessitates a mindset of lifelong learning and agility. By embracing change and staying ahead of the curve, youths can navigate the evolving job market and seize emerging opportunities, the experts stressed.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
The Ethiopian Herald December 3/2023
