According to the 2023 World Skilled Workforce Data, in today’s world where technology has become an integral part of our daily lives influencing each of our activities and the world has become digitalized to an unparalleled degree, the demand for skilled and competent professionals in coding and software development is growing in unprecedented levels, making it one of the most sought after professions.
The report confirms that as many as 375 million workers across the globe, that is 14 percent of the entire world’s workforce, may need to switch occupational categories by 2030 as the rising tide of digitization, automation, and AI disrupts many of the jobs and tasks carried out today.
As coding is becoming the language that powers the digital revolution, enabling the creation of innovative applications, efficient processes, and transformative solutions, global countries are competing to apply it.
Experts in information technology also advise that, in an era of rapid technological advancement, the importance of a skilled and versatile workforce is a matter that cannot be left unnoticed. At the forefront of this transformation, the crucial role of coding and digital literacy becomes clearer.
In cognizant of this and the looming burden, countries are engaged in building a workforce armed with coding and programming skills because capacitating the human capital with the required skills is critical not only to enhance employability but also drive to technological advancement and increase the competitiveness of a nation. In turn, the effort is bearing fruit in ensuring rapid technological advancement.
Ethiopia is also striving to promote the IT field and build the capacity of its young people in coding and software development to go along with the ever-changing technological world and gain the rewarding advantages it yields.
To this end, by devising the National Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, which paves the way to leveraging digital technologies and be successful in the global digital economy, it is undertaking numerous activities.
What is more, it has also established an academy- the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences- targeting to foster scientific culture and innovation and advance the knowledge of the sciences, arts, and indigenous knowledge among the young people.
As documents indicate, the primary aim of the Academy is to promote scientific culture in Ethiopia by nurturing interest and curiosity in science. It also has an aspiration to see Ethiopia at the forefront of science and technology by producing a scientifically and technologically literate and informed citizenry.
In turn, though more works are ahead, the inspiring beginnings are witnessed. Just to mention but a few, more and more young people are attracted to the area and even promising innovation works are produced by students. Besides, performing financial transactions supported by various digital electronic payment systems has become the most accustomed trend these days in Ethiopia.
Recently, an initiative – the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative, that aims to provide basic digital literacy training to 5 million Ethiopian youth by 2026, was launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). The initiative is said to bridge the digital skills gap in the country.
Following the initiative The Ethiopian Herald held an exclusive interview with STEM SYNERGY Ethiopia Project Manager Abiyot Lakew to have his insight regarding the program bringing about Ethiopian youth.
According to him, the 5 Million Coders Initiative presents a golden opportunity for Ethiopian youth to capitalize on the surging demand for coding and programming expertise. By embracing this initiative, young Ethiopians can acquire sought-after skills, become competitive in the global job market, and even venture into entrepreneurship by developing their innovative digital solution skills.
The impact of this initiative can be transformative for Ethiopia’s nation-building efforts. A skilled coding workforce can drive the development of cutting-edge digital infrastructure, facilitate the automation of various industries, and foster the creation of homegrown technology startups. This, in turn, can lead to increased economic diversification, job creation, and overall societal progress.
According to him, in the 21st century, digital skills have become an essential element for personal and professional success. Thus, it is high time to invest in coding and programming education in Ethiopia. It could help in equipping youth with the necessary digital competencies to thrive in the global digital economy. This will help enhance the country’s competitiveness; and position it as a hub for technology and innovation.
The initiative in Ethiopia, in partnership with the UAE government, is a visionary endeavor that recognizes the pivotal role of a coding-skilled in driving national development. By empowering the youth with these essential digital skills, Ethiopia is positioning itself to embrace the digital revolution and transform its economy and society. As the Ethiopian youth seize this opportunity, the nation as a whole can look forward to a future where technology and innovation are the cornerstones of sustainable progress and prosperity.
There is a huge task to be done in primary and secondary as well as higher education in taming the students with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. “We have been working throughout Ethiopia since 2016 and established 22 STEM centers and 71 laboratories that could help students learn coding and computer programming. STEM Synergy Ethiopia provides education for students coming from public and private schools, focusing on empowering youths and women through practical education, sustainable local solutions, and entrepreneurship. We are engaged in working at the grassroots.”
Responding to the government’s call for coding initiative, he said that it is groundbreaking news and a great opportunity for citizens because it lets them enjoy outsourced job opportunities and garner skills. “We would like to commend the bold step taken in launching the 5 Million Coders Initiative in partnership with the government of the United Arab Emirates.”
The training could provide students with comprehensive training and education in various programming languages, algorithms, and software engineering principles. By equipping the Ethiopian youth with these in-demand skills, the initiative can create a pool of talented individuals who can contribute to the country’s ongoing digitalization efforts, he opined.
The 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative, launched recently by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) at the Science Museum, aims to bridge the digital skills gap in the country.
The project is designed to benefit five million Ethiopian citizens with digital technology training. The program aims to equip five million Ethiopian youth with foundational digital skills in areas such as Web Programming, Android Development, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 27 JULY 2024
