Vodacom has partnered with AWS, Microsoft, Skillsoft, and other organisations to equip individuals with core digital skills essential for success in the modern workforce.
The Vodacom Digital Skills Hub is designed to empower the next generation, to consider a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and entails fun and engaging practical digital skills training for young people on the continent. Developed in collaboration with accredited organisations and subject matter experts, the comprehensive courses are tailored to address the dynamic demands of today’s digital economy.
The Vodacom Group Digital Skills Hub which will be available in South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya aims to empower the next generation of digital innovators, enabling Africa’s digital society and leveraging existing e-learning platforms in the respective markets.
According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), over 230 million jobs will require digital skills in Africa by 2030, yet the continent faces a significant gap in supply and demand for digital expertise.
“The African continent is plagued in many countries with high levels of unemployment, gender inequality, income disparity and limited access to education, healthcare and essential services. These challenges inform our purpose and drives our strategy to connect for a better future, leveraging digital technologies to drive inclusion into the future for the betterment of people. The launch of the Digital Skills Hub is testament to our commitment to pioneering the path to a digital and more inclusive Africa”, says Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO.
The Vodacom Digital Skills Hub provides access to self-paced, digital skills training for those aged between 18 and 35. This is in addition to Vodacom Group’s existing free, e-learning platforms across its markets.
E-learning and digital classrooms have made it possible for students in remote or underserved areas to access quality education with platforms such as Talimy in Egypt, e-Fahamu in Tanzania, VodaEduc in the Democratic of Congo (DRC), Faz Crescer in Mozambique and an e-learning platform in South Africa, providing a wealth of online resources, which cater to different learning needs.
“We are extremely excited about this initiative which seeks to inspire the next wave of digital innovators. Our main aim with this initiative is to not only address the digital skills shortage on the continent but to also nurture a pipeline of young talent and in turn advance Africa’s digital future, boosting opportunities for empowerment in an inclusive digital economy,” adds, Matimba Mbungela, Chief Human Resources Officer at Vodacom Group.
AWS Educate is one of the first programs to be offered through the Digital Skills Hub and an additional program to Vodacom’s various existing online learning platforms. AWS Educate offers beginners an extensive library of self-paced online training that covers a range of topics from cloud fundamentals to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“With over 400 million young people between the ages of 15 and 35 in Africa, the continent has the youngest population in the world. Digital is the new currency, it is therefore imperative that we invest in them and provide them with the necessary digital skills that will not only boost their growth and development but that of the continent too,” concludes Joosub.
As part of the Vodacom Digital Skills Hub, the initiative will offer 14 core digital skills.These skills reflect the evolving needs of the digital economy and the transition of businesses towards a tech-driven future.
The 14 Core Digital Skills:
1. Blockchain: The technology behind cryptocurrencies, blockchain has applications in secure data
management, supply chain tracking, and smart contracts.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI involves creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically
require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language
translation.
3. Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA involves automating repetitive business processes using
software robots, increasing efficiency and reducing errors.
4. Digital Media: Encompasses the creation, management, and distribution of digital content, including
images, videos, audio, and text.
5. Cybersecurity: Protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or
disruption.
6. Machine Learning: A subset of AI, machine learning involves creating algorithms that allow systems to
learn from data and improve their performance on a specific task without being explicitly programmed.
7. Cloud Computing: The delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, networking,
software, analytics, and intelligence, over the internet (‘the cloud’).
8. Software Engineering: The application of engineering principles to the design, development,
maintenance, testing, and evaluation of software.
9. Fintech: The use of technology to improve and automate financial services.
10. Internet of Things (IoT): The network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items
embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity, enabling these objects to collect and
exchange data.
11. UI/UX Design: UI (User Interface) design focuses on the visual elements that users interact with, while UX
(User Experience) design focuses on the overall experience a user has when interacting with a product or
service.
12. Big Data Analytics: The process of examining large and varied data sets to uncover hidden patterns,
unknown correlations, market trends, customer preferences, and other useful business information.
13. Agile: A project management approach that emphasises flexibility, collaboration, and continuous
improvement.
14. Digital Services (Lifestyle Content): The creation and delivery of digital content and services that
enhance people’s lifestyles, such as entertainment, health, and wellness apps.
By developing these skills, individuals can position themselves for success in the digital age and contribute to the growth of the digital economy.
