#Blog4dev 2019 Enhancing the skills youth to prepare Africa’s for the digital economy and the future of work Contents Sommaire 25 Creating space for digital learning in Africa Jackton Oduor Badia - Kenya 26 Preparing Lesotho’s youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution through skills development, boosted by parental support Khothatso Kolobe - Lesotho 05. Foreword: Diarietou Gaye 27 Working together to create Africa 2.0 Livio Totozafy - Madagascar 08. Welcome: Dominique Alonga 28 Malawi’s future-ready youth need unconventional skills training Wrixon Mpanang’ombe - Malawi 29 Pour un Mali pleinement ancré dans le XXIème siècle 09. The 32 winning blog entries 31 Ousmane Traoré - Mali Digital is the pathway to the Africa we deserve Rabiatou Harouna Moussa - Niger 10 Preparing Africa’s youth for a digital future: Teaching responsible leadership 32 National Youth Service Corps and the future of Nigeria’s digital economy Henriques Francisco Ngolome - Angola Damilola Adeniran - Nigeria 11 Faciliter pour tous l’accès au savoir dans sa propre langue grâce à internet 33 Hands-on learning key to preparing young Rwandans for the digital workforce Kêlvin Adantchede Nonvignon - Bénin Sandrine Bwiza - Rwanda 12 Increase digital access and skills to prepare Botswana’s youth for the digital economy 34 Miser sur le numérique et le capital humain comme facteurs de développement Ephraim Modise - Botswana Ndèye Anta Diouck - Sénégal 13 Utiliser tous les aspects numériques pour créer la nouvelle réalité de l’Afrique 35 African youth and their future in the job market Priva Belem - Burkina Faso Tholoma Sumah - Sierra Leone 14 Governments, organizations and young people must collaborate to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital workforce 36 Overcoming digital challenges through freelancing opportunities in Somaliland (North Somalia) Guy Tresor Ntwari - Burundi Yasmin Ali Gedi - Somalia 15 Silicon Mountain is an example of what Africa needs for a digital world 38 Needed for African youth: Courses in software and web development, and increased computer literacy Christabel Apholung Ngwashi - Cameroon Tlogang Otsile Ketumile Makgwanya Mosupye - South Africa 17 Miser sur un usage intelligent de la technologie pour les générations futures 39 Promote an enabling environment for youth employment and entrepreneurship in the digital economy Isabelle Memaji - Tchad Daniel Athior Atem Manyuon - South Soudan 18 Le pont Brazza-Kinshasa, symbole du e-développement responsable des deux Congo 40 From education to startup support, let’s get ready for the digital economy! Amour Freddy Bilombo Bazedimba - République du Congo Moneera Yassien - Sudan 19 En Côte d’Ivoire, le train du numérique est déjà en marche mais doit aller plus vite et plus loin 41 The journey towards preparing Tanzanian youth for the digital economy and the future of work Nafiisa Adjoua N’Guessan -Côte d’Ivoire Alice Ahadi Magaka - Tanzania 20 S’approprier la technologie de demain grâce au e-learning 42 Favoriser la rêve’olution africaine par la voie de la souplesse Hervé Mukulu Vulotwa - République Démocratique du Congo Ayi Renaud Dossavi-Alipoeh - Togo 21 Make internet affordable in Africa, and the skills will soon follow 43 Revise the curriculum to save Uganda’s youth Olansis M. Wolde -Ethiopia Pearl Denise Agasha - Uganda 22 Online learning, affordable internet services key to preparing Ghanaians for the digital workforce 44 Investing in Human Capital: A key to preparing African youth for the future of work Dinah Recheal Blankson - Ghana Musopa Kalenga - Zambia 24 Repenser le système éducatif pour préparer la jeunesse africaine aux métiers de demain 45 Africa’s youth need to be problem solvers, not part of the problem Mohamed Alimou Diallo - Guinée Tatenda Magetsi - Zimbabwe FOREWORD Technology is changing the way we interact, work, consume, pay for goods and services, and receive information. It has permeated almost every aspect of our lives and will continue to do so at a dizzying pace. In light of this, our continent needs to rethink the way we are preparing our young people for the future, so that they are able to seize the opportunities offered by digital technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. So what better way to learn about the skills that young people need for the digital economy and the future of work to then to ask Africa’s youth themselves? This was the prompt for our first continent-wide #Blog4Dev competition. First launched in Kenya in 2014, this competition was created to offer young Africans aged 18 to 28 a platform to share their ideas about the continent’s development. #Blog4Dev is a cornerstone of the Youth Transforming Africa initiative under the World Bank’s Africa Communications and Partnerships team. For this edition, we selected 32 winning submissions out of the 1,212 blog entries received from 43 countries. We invited the winning authors to attend the 2019 World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings where they engaged with World Bank teams and participate in conferences, meetings, and workshops. The World Bank Africa #Blog4Dev competition helps connect young people’s ideas with policy-makers, development experts, potential financing sources, and more importantly, other youth so that they can also be inspired to spur change. This is also the impetus behind publishing this book and creating a dedicated #Blog4Dev platform to host all of the top entries dating back to 2014. Africa’s youth are not just thinking about today. They are thinking years ahead. Many of them feel that policy makers have been slow to react to the challenges that they face as the digital economy becomes mainstream. They want to see their leaders take faster and more decisive steps to avert economic disaster and potential exclusion from the international economy. They see investment in internet infrastructure as essential, alongside rapid education reforms and stronger skills development programs so that everyone—young and old—can take advantage of the opportunities of a more connected world. On a personal note, as the “founding mother” of #Blog4Dev in Kenya, I am proud to see how this initiative continues to evolve. It is more than just a competition; it is a growing partnership with African youth that can lead to real change and collective solutions to Africa’s most pressing development challenges. Let’s transform Africa together! Diarietou Gaye, Director for Operations and Strategy Diarietou Gaye (World Bank, Africa Region) and «founding mother» of Director, Strategy and Operations #Blog4Dev, delivering her award to Christabel Ngwashi, Africa Region #Blog4Dev winner for Cameroon. Photo : Nate Palmer / World Bank 4 5 6 The #Blog4Dev 2019 delegation met with Hafez Ghanem, the World Bank Vice President for Africa Region Photo © Nate Palmer / World Bank The #Blog4Dev 2019 delegation met with Sheila Redzepi, the World Bank Vice President for External and Corporate Relations 7 Photo © Nate Palmer / World Bank WELCOME ! It is quite an honor to be young in such a time when partners and #Blog4Dev 2019 international players are willing to take the time to listen to what young people have to say. It is even more exciting to be young in a time where technology is bridging geographical, financial, and social gaps. We have so much more avenues and platforms and our reach is widening thanks to partners like World Bank. This is to say that there is so much hope for the future of Africa and of the world. It’s a call for each one of us to trust our voice The 32 winning and the stories of our communities. It is a reminder that our responsibility is to be agents and drivers of our future. As the blog entries youth of the African continent continues to rewrite the history of our people, the world will see our land differently. Keep writing. There is such a desperate need for our voices to be Les 32 billets gagnants heard but the World Bank is proof that people are listening and engaging with our thoughts. The future of our continent depends on the engagement that we have with the problems and the solutions in the different corners of Africa. Let us stay informed, engaged and responsive. We are not the leaders of tomorrow, we are the leaders of today. Dominique Alonga Entrepreneur, Feminist, Author, Public Speaker & Winner of Blog4Dev2017 (Rwanda) The blog entries are published in the original language they were Dominique Uwase Along is a multi-talented Rwandan social received. Translated versions are available on the Youth Transforming entrepreneur, author, and blogger who won several prizes in Africa blog platform. youth entrepreneurship. She is the driving force behind Imagine We Rwanda, a social enterprise dedicated to challenging the narrative of Africa through storytelling. It publishes original http://blogs.worldbank.org/youth-transforming-africa/ books by local authors to boost the reading culture among Rwandans, increase culturally relevant materials in schools and improve the self-esteem of African readers. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this She argues that the best way to boost opportunities for our work do not imply any judgement on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any youth is by empowering them to discover their potentials and territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. value their talents and abilities to innovate and find solutions within themselves. Young people need a push forward through mentorship, time and financial investment but most of all, creating an ecosystem that will allow their ventures to grow. 8 9 9 Preparing Africa’s youth for Faciliter pour tous l’accès a digital future: Teaching au savoir dans sa propre responsible leadership langue grâce à internet By addressing the proposed topic, the World Bank reinforces the African Union’s Agenda2063, which sets out to attain the kind of Africa we want. African youth will L’avancée en flèche des nouvelles technologies force les individus be at the forefront of achieving the aspirations of African people. et les entreprises à mieux anticiper les besoins et les défis auxquels feront face nos sociétés. L’Afrique n’étant pas exclue de ces enjeux, elle In this regard, young Africans need to vigorously strive to assume leadership, or devra trouver des solutions pour transmettre de meilleures compétences take an active role in the digital economy and the future of work. That will be aux jeunes Africains et ce, afin de les aider à se préparer à l’économie Bénin possible only if we develop a profile of the skills that will be determinant for the numérique et aux emplois de demain. professionals or entrepreneurs of the digital area. These include: development of a personal character that inspires confidence and adoption of a strategic vision L’Afrique est un continent en pleine croissance démographique. that envisions the future creatively, recognizes the need for flexibility in the face of Elle jouit d’une culture millénaire riche et variée, tout comme le sont change and in solving complex problems, and maintains a positive attitude. les différentes langues parlées sur le territoire. Une barrière linguistique Angola et géographique se dresse toutefois en matière de transmission For these skills to be developed, I propose the establishment of open-enrollment academies that teach responsible leadership throughout the region and du savoir à tous les peuples qui la composent. institutions, supported by governments or international organizations. This academy, which I call the Open Academy of Responsible Leadership, would be an La barrière géographique pourrait aisément être franchie, en mettant ideal and real space for the development of complex skills to improve the profile of en place les recommandations suivantes, à savoir : the entrepreneur and human capital in the Digital Era. Intégrer Internet de manière pratique et globale dans les techniques d’apprentissage dès le cours primaire ; Africa traditions and great leaders in the past, such as the Bantu people, • Cultiver la curiosité des élèves vis-à-vis d’Internet et s’assurer successfully solved complex problems with values and principles that I call de leur maîtrise de l’outil ; responsible leadership. With these approaches, we can identify and develop behavioral skills through the values and principles of responsible leadership to • Établir une pédagogie sérieuse en matière d’utilisation des outils improve the competencies necessary to enable African youth to become a more physiques et des logiciels à utiliser dans les écoles sustainable asset for the continent. et les universités ; • Développer une meilleure utilisation des outils tels que les casques To accomplish this goal, specific objectives include: de réalité virtuelle et augmentée (les fabriquer soi-même serait pédagogique et moins coûteux), et des outils d’apprentissage • Introducing mentoring sessions, workshops, lectures and opportunities ludique tels que Scratch, Jerry (fabrication d’ordinateurs à partir to observe the exercise of responsible leadership on the issue of de composants de récupération), Arduino, etc. personal development in the organizational context. These would be • Faire la promotion des outils libres de droits et sensibiliser held at vocational training centers and as part of career training in rural la population aux concepts de collaboration et de contribution communities, to spark creativity and stimulate the strategic vision of youth en matière d’accessibilité numérique pour tous. in an environment where young people often do not know what they intend to do in the near or distant future. • Organiser des concours pour accélérer l’acquisition des connaissances et stimuler la curiosité et l’esprit de compétition • Launch training sessions in all countries of the region, using networks of chez les apprenants et les enseignants. volunteers selected and trained for the purpose to reach young people who are outside the sphere of formal education with innovative initiatives that add value. Henriques Francisco Ngolome - Angola Un dicton en langue fon dit que « Ce qui tient à cœur, c’est dans sa Kêlvin Adantchede Nonvignon - Bénin • Create a digital platform to use in improving the skills and developing the langue maternelle qu’il faut l’exprimer». La plupart des langues competencies required in the context of the digital era. Henriques Ngolome, a jurist and civic leader is also d’enseignement dans les écoles africaines sont des langues étrangères Titulaire d’un diplôme de technicien en électrotechnique, the co-founder and leader of the Incubator of Companies à la culture de nos pays, contrairement aux autres continents, où les Kêlvin Nonvignon Adantchede est passionné par les nouvelles and Startups of the Catholic University of Angola, Luanda. apprentissages s’effectuent dans la langue maternelle (le français pour technologies et l’économie circulaire. Il anime un blog où il It is obvious that the achievement of success by African youth must involve the Ngolome is also the author of the concept of Responsible partage ses opinions pour promouvoir une meilleure Afrique kind of preparation that is not restricted to development of technical skills, but la France, l’anglais pour l’Angleterre et les États-Unis, le chinois pour Leadership, a system of values and principles for numérique. also fosters behavioral aptitudes that schools and universities don’t teach. We must sustainable, personal and organizational success. la Chine, etc.); cela constitue un frein important dans le processus de think in terms of complementary systems that would add more value to African transmission du savoir, car il faut à chaque fois maîtriser les langues avant Blog : https://kelvinagentk.com/ youth. de pouvoir assimiler les notions. Pour pallier ce problème, il faut établir et promouvoir les plateformes qui proposent un enseignement dans les This is my commitment as civic leader, legal services intern, former president of langues africaines (comme par exemple, www.boiteainnovations.com). the Student Association of the Catholic University of Angola, co-founder of the first business incubator in the university community in Angola and as a member of the Que les Africains restent pour la majorité des consommateurs, ou qu’ils First Consultative Council of Alumni of the Southern Africa YALI. A result of this is deviennent des producteurs de savoirs, les connaissances et les techniques the writing I have done on responsible leadership. I believe that the technological continuent d’évoluer à un rythme effréné. Le continent va devoir muter options, innovations and creations of the current century must be associated vers les métiers de demain. Pour y parvenir, il faut que les connaissances with ethical issues, thereby guiding humanity toward sustainable success and soient transmises au plus grand nombre. Internet est l’outil le plus rapide achievement by individuals and organizations. et le moins coûteux qui permettra à chacun, quelle que soit sa position géographique, d’avoir accès au savoir, et ce, dans sa propre langue. My proposed solution can increase awareness among African youth about the future and encourage them to assume a special position in the digital economy and the future of work in Africa and the world at large by becoming active, competitive, and productive. 10 11 Increase digital access and Utiliser tous les aspects skills to prepare Botswana’s numériques pour créer youth for the digital la nouvelle réalité de l’Afrique economy According to the United Nations, Africa’s youth, citizens aged between Si auparavant, la voie du progrès était tracée par un accès aux routes, 15 and 24 years old, currently stands at more than 200 million, making aujourd’hui, le développement ne peut se concevoir sans un accès au it the continent with the youngest population in the world. It is essential numérique. Dans un monde de plus en plus connecté et résolument tourné to equip this young population with the necessary skills that will allow vers le digital, les pays du Sud tentent de réduire la fracture numérique them to be relevant in an economy that is rapidly becoming digital. avec les pays du Nord. Alors, quelles peuvent être les solutions pour Despite having a lower penetration rate (percentage of population using transmettre de meilleures compétences aux jeunes Africains afin de les internet) than developed countries in Europe and North America, statistics aider à se préparer à l’économie numérique et aux emplois de demain ? show that Africa has a rapidly growing rate of internet connectivity and usage. Increasing penetration rate is therefore an important measure to be Pour répondre à cette problématique pertinente et d’actualité, notre taken in bridging the gap of the digital divide and consequently helping argumentaire s’articulera autour de la création de campus en ligne (les Africa’s youth actively partake in the global digital economy. e-campus), de pôles d’excellence numérique et de la mise en place de banques d’idées. The key is to make internet services easily available to Africa’s youth. This will help equip us with the necessary skills that will put us on the same Dans son ouvrage Les enjeux éthiques d’Internet en Afrique de l’Ouest, level of knowledge and expertise as our peers in developed countries. Oumarou Tiemtoré écrit : « Si l’Afrique rate le train de l’informatique, It will also allow us to actively and competitively partake in the digital elle ne pourra plus revenir sur les rails ». Or, face à cette situation economy. Without the availability of these services, it will be difficult for complexe, l’Afrique peut compter sur sa population majoritairement jeune. Africa’s youth to be an active part of the digital economy. Mais comment s’assurer que cette jeunesse possède les bons outils pour faire face au défi de ce siècle ? Les jeunes Africains doivent se former In the meantime, it will be important to impart knowledge with the youth aux nouveaux métiers du digital : cette formation pourrait passer par on the importance of information and communications technology (ICT) to la création d’e-campus disposant de bibliothèques numériques qui leur build interest among young people. Without interest, even if infrastructure permettraient d’être à la pointe de la technologie. Aussi pourront-ils was to be availed, it would become white elephants which no one shows acquérir les connaissances nécessaires pour se lancer par la suite dans la interest in using. Therefore, youth should be properly taught ICT skills, so création de startups et ainsi participer à la création de richesse et jouer that they can better appreciate its relevance in the modern era. leur rôle dans le développement de leur pays. Apart from teaching digital literacy, what can also be done is to offer subsidized prices for internet subscribers to enable more, and broader Une autre solution serait la création de pôles d’excellence numérique. access to internet services. As noted with the #DataMustFall movement, Ces pôles, qui constitueraient une sorte de fonds d’appui aux initiatives most young Africans cannot afford internet services because of the des jeunes dans le numérique, auraient pour mission de recevoir et de high prices. Without their participation because of lack of affordability traiter les projets des jeunes afin d’en sélectionner les meilleurs, puis d’en of internet services, African countries will continue to lag behind the assurer l’incubation jusqu’à leur pleine réalisation. Ces pôles d’excellence developed world in the digital economy. offriraient un cadre émulatif sain à la jeunesse, mettant en avant les meilleures idées possibles. Ce cadre constituerait aussi une réponse à Another step which can be taken to increase penetration rate is to invest Ephraim Modise - Botswana l’épineuse question du chômage, dans la mesure où la fonction publique Priva Belem - Burkina Faso more in building infrastructure to help in the implementation of internet n’a pas la capacité d’employer tous les diplômés. Dans ce domaine, service projects, in both urban and rural areas. Such infrastructure includes Ephraim Modise is a computer science student at the Belem Priva is a student of communications for l’exemple du programme Burkina Startups doit inspirer certains pays à satellites, fiber-optic networks, connectivity infrastructure etc. The current University of Botswana, an entrepreneur and blogger. development at the University of Ouagadougou. Priva His blog covers a wide range of topics, including emboîter le pas. situation in most developing countries in Africa is that ICT infrastructure also leads the student communications and journalism mental health, technology news, politics, governance club and is a member of the Young Professionals for is concentrated in urban areas, with a few to none being available in rural and philosophy. Modise is also co-owner of Diamond Enfin, chaque pays devrait procéder à la création d’une banque d’idées. Ces Agriculture, Burkina Faso. areas. This means that the only way youth in rural areas can access ICT Value Investments, LTD, a startup venture which seeks banques, contrairement à leur définition traditionnelle, ne chercheraient Belem est étudiant en communication du services is to migrate to urban areas, a situation which puts them at a to provide value addition services to sub-sectors of the pas à accumuler de l’argent, mais bien des idées novatrices à même de développement. Il est également président du Bureau disadvantage compared to their peers in developed countries. of the diamond industry pipeline. He enjoys reading and des élèves en communication et journalisme à contribuer au développement d’un pays. Chaque nation africaine pourrait writing in his spare time. l’université de Ouagadougou. Belem gère également la créer sa propre banque afin de centraliser les meilleures idées qui soient A young population coupled with increasing rates of internet usage and communication de l’antenne burkinabè de l’Association et ainsi constituer des bases de données pour les générations actuelles et des jeunes pour le développement de l’agriculture connectivity can prove to be an important advantage for Africa in her Blog : someblackguy.blogspot.com futures. Il suffirait par la suite de réunir toutes ces banques d’idées en une pursuit to be competitive in the digital economy. By taking the appropriate seule entité, la banque centrale des idées d’Afrique. Ce concept de banque steps to increase penetration rate and hence bridge the digital divide, centrale serait basé sur le modèle de l’union Africaine, qui constitue Blog : freevision.beoogomakers.org Africa can find herself being actively competitive in the digital economy aujourd’hui une vraie source d’inspiration et de fierté pour les États in the coming few years. africains. Nous sommes persuadés que cette banque centrale des idées d’Afrique pourrait être, dans un futur pas si lointain, le précurseur d’une réalité plus large, celle des « États-Unis d’Afrique ». 12 13 Governments, Silicon Mountain is an organizations and young example of what Africa people must collaborate needs for a digital world to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital workforce While reading a report from McKinsey Global Institute, predicting that robots could replace 800 million jobs by 2030, drops of cold sweat trickled down my spine. But rather than considering this a threat, it prompted To prepare Burundi’s youth for the future of work, it will take a me to step up my digital education and training to remain economically combination of youth capacity building, availability of financial resources relevant in the future. and partnership between governments and international financial organizations to tackle the challenge. But I didn’t do this alone. A strong youth-driven technology entrepreneurial community which comprises young innovators has been the engine An education and employment hub that will train the youth and sustaining my drive into the digital world. Its operating model is an implement several projects to fill Africa digital markets is requisite. This example of what all young Africans needs to enhance digital skills. will be the only way to inspire the youth to be involved in digital economy and future of work. An increasing progression of practical trainings Currently, Cameroon still witnesses a timid use of digital systems owing followed by the implementation of projects in which a group of trainees to widespread ignorance and lack of basic infrastructural resources: lack will be interested in developing and that may be sponsored or able to of affordable internet, computers and regular electricity supply. As a result, generate incomes will increase the willingness of youth to enter the opportunities for youths to access and acquire digital skills are limited. digital world, since they will see new employment opportunities. The Silicon Mountain Community, named by its location at the foot of We African youth, and Burundian youth in particular, need guidance Mount Fako in Buea, Cameroon, seeks to tackle this ignorance while urging and facilities. A lot of us have not had the chance to use or be familiar stakeholders to create and secure an enabling environment. It exposes with digital items, and many others have faced digital barriers which and creates opportunities in the digital world via mentorship, trains have discouraged them from entering the digital world. The sector also youths to develop affordable digital innovations and seeks partnerships to remains unexploited due to the lack of information and communications demonstrate acquired soft skills. technology (ICT) infrastructures in Africa. With provision of required resources, this model can be replicated and adapted entailing: To solve these development challenges, one solution could be to implement centers where young people can be trained in different fields • Vertical Mentorship: Youth-driven developer groups such as related to the digital economy, and which respond to their career interest school clubs could be formed across colleges and universities and aspiration. The hub will train and coach youth to build platforms in with members linked to mentors in their specific career path. their interested areas; the digital economy is wide and includes many Mentors could be more experienced youths or school teachers fields that could be of interest, such as programming, automation and knowledgeable in digital technology. Mentees are exposed to artificial intelligence. With multiple offerings, students may choose any opportunities which technology offer in that field; guided through to be trained in technically, followed by the implementation of potential learning resources and building affordable innovations suited for projects that may lead to youth employability. This is important, because specific environments. Mentors would stir passion, confidence, team the only option to maintain youth involvement in trainings is to show spirit and creativity by giving mentees tasks to be completed within them that there is interest and that it may likely improve their life. a given time. Guy Tresor Ntwari - Burundi Christabel Apholung Ngwashi - Cameroon • Training: Each group would designate suitable working hours and Another area of training could include software programming and they location, develop time-bound objectives under supervision and be could be coached to implement several projects related to e-business, Guy Tresor Ntwari grew up in Bujumbura, Burundi. Christabel Ngwashi is a physician, health blogger and founder He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and given a corresponding minimum number of coding hours to be met of MoreThanJustAnMD Initiative, which seeks to strengthen such as e-commerce, e- marketing, e-banking, online information and Management from Bujumbura International University, as a prerequisite for participation in competitions. A code week or community and preventive health care using tools such as communication, digital learning, web design, and related areas. A research where he also majored in non-governmental organization boot camp organized monthly or yearly would be dedicated for technology. center in robotics and artificial intelligence could be opened to promote management and sustainable development. inter-club competitions and winners given prizes such as internship the passion of science and technology in young people, and different placements, fellowships or training. Bi-monthly talks to share programs including automation, cognitive science and computational challenges, motivate one another and devise improvement methods linguistics will be implemented in to inspire their creative mind. The would ensure sustainability. Blog : https://www.gutreb.com objective is to bring young people into becoming future leaders in these fields and interest them into pursuing further studies so that they will be • Practice: To practice what has been learned, partnership with qualified to fill Africa’s current skills shortage. institutions for internship and development of their digital services would be mutually beneficial. For example, partnering with schools However, the implementation of these projects requires significant could enable digitization of school fees payment. Members should investments. ICT infrastructures are expensive, and it will require highly- be tasked in volunteering to teach the younger students’ basic soft skilled professionals in the aforementioned programs to train youth, which skills. An example is the ICT4Kids program which teaches kids how could only be provided through partnerships with financial institutions, to develop simple games and draw cartoons during holidays. development organizations and the government. As a member of “Women Techmakers,” the female wing of Silicon Mountain, integrating digital technology into primary health care practice has opened exciting dimensions in my career. This is why I believe that it will take an enabling environment and a training model like the one proposed to adequately prepare Africa’s youths for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 14 15 Miser sur un usage intelligent de la technologie pour les générations futures Avec l’évolution de la technologie et de l’économie numérique, le monde est en perpétuelle évolution. Pour s’y adapter, les jeunes Africains, déjà pénalisés dans certains cas par le retard du continent comparé à d’autres, auraient au préalable besoin d’un certain niveau de formation technologique. Même si l’urgence première pour certains pays d’Afrique est la sortie de la pauvreté, il est d’un impératif salvateur pour notre continent de s’engager sur la voie de l’économie numérique. Cette technologie moderne offre la possibilité aux entreprises de prospérer, tant dans l’innovation des produits et services répondant aux exigences des clients, que dans l’élargissement de leur gamme de produits. En partant du constat évident de l’inadéquation de la qualité de l’enseignement dispensée dans les écoles africaines et de l’offre du travail sur le marché, la formation des jeunes Africains doit aller au-delà des domaines de compétence classiques en programmation informatique pour s’élargir aux compétences nécessaires au développement d’une entreprise et permettre à l’éducation d’être davantage adaptée à une économie numérique en pleine évolution. Ce projet n’aura de succès qu’en dotant les centres de formation d’enseignants armés des compétences nécessaires pour préparer les jeunes aux emplois du digital. Toutefois, remporter la bataille de l’économie numérique en Afrique ne peut se faire qu’à condition de ne pas isoler les jeunes Africains de leur environnement immédiat, à savoir le développement rural. Ce dernier demeure encore pour l’Afrique le terreau de sa capacité de développement et potentiellement un secteur primordial dans la création d’emplois. Aussi convient-il de rendre le système bancaire de certains pays africains cohérent avec l’expansion d’une économie numérique ; en d’autres termes, créer un marché de consommateurs du numérique pour un développement de startups propres à l’Afrique. Il est surtout important d’élever le niveau de confiance des utilisateurs dans le e-commerce à travers des dispositifs législatifs et réglementaires appropriés. Les États africains et les partenaires techniques devraient travailler ensemble pour améliorer Isabelle Memaji - Tchad les compétences des entreprises africaines. Il serait par ailleurs judicieux de promouvoir l’innovation et la culture du service numérique et d’investir Isabelle MEMADJI est étudiante en deuxième année de master dans l’infrastructure de fibres optiques pour améliorer la connectivité. En en gestion qualité-hygiène-sécurité-environnement à l’Institut outre, il est impératif d’abroger les politiques de certains États Africains supérieur de management (ISM) à Dakar, au Sénégal. qui constituent un handicap pour la mise en place d’un environnement favorable à l’économie numérique. Enfin, il est très important de garantir à l’Afrique un accès permanent et crédible à l’électricité et de mettre en place un fonds public spécial de garantie pour les innovations des startups numériques. Photo Alice Magaka / World Bank La technologie numérique est certes une arme puissante, mais à double tranchant : elle apporte d’une part de nouvelles techniques qui permettent de mieux préserver l’environnement, tout en s’avérant polluante. L’évolution de l’économie numérique avait pour objectif de dématérialiser nos activités, et donc, de réduire notre impact sur la planète. Mais c’était Photo © CoderBus Madagascar sans tenir compte du bilan carbone du secteur. De fait, il représente à cette date 2 % des émissions de gaz à effet de serre, un taux égal à celui de l’aviation civile, et qui devrait doubler d’ici 2019 selon le cabinet d’analyse Green IT. La transition vers l’économie numérique constitue-t-elle un nouveau cercle vicieux ou un réservoir de solutions en matière d’écologie ? 16 17 Le pont Brazza-Kinshasa, En Côte d’Ivoire, le train symbole du e-développement du numérique est déjà en responsable des deux Congo marche mais doit aller plus vite et plus loin Nous sommes en 2050, il y a quelques mois, notre pays le Congo Brazzaville faisait un pas de géant dans son processus de développement et d’intégration régionale en inaugurant conjointement avec son voisin, le Congo Kinshasa, un Le monde est devenu un village planétaire et les nouveaux analphabètes pont de 1550 Km de long, comportant un péage, une voie ferrée, une route et seront ceux qui restent en marge de la révolution technologique. Et de une voie piétonne. Cela a définitivement fusionné nos deux capitales, les plus nombreux jeunes Africains risquent d’en faire partie. En effet, malgré rapprochées du monde mais longtemps séparées par le fleuve Congo. l’ascension fulgurante des nouvelles technologies, l’Afrique est à la traîne. Seuls 30 % des Africains ont accès à internet et environ 600 millions En effet, 35 ans en arrière, nous rallions encore nos deux pays par pirogue d’Africains n’ont pas accès à l’électricité. C’est pour changer cette donne et canot rapide. Mais aujourd’hui, ce pont, nous permet de dessiner l’avenir que nous autres, jeunes Africains, avons la responsabilité de proposer dans une nouvelle réalité de libre circulation des biens et des personnes. Ce des solutions qui permettent d’intégrer le continent à cette mutation projet est le fruit des différentes réformes apportées par l’expansion de la technologique. 4ème Révolution numérique de la République du Congo, qui a radicalement transformé les emplois tout en améliorant les conditions de vie des populations Tout n’est pas à faire et des actions sont déjà menées sur le continent. et en mettant fin à la famine. Notamment des évènements autour du numérique, par le biais des centres de formations technologiques et de concours visant à récompenser les Revenons un peu sur les progrès technologiques que l’on avait pu observer jeunes entrepreneurs disruptifs. Mais il faut reconnaître que ces initiatives au cours d’une dizaine d’années et l’impact qu’ils ont eu sur la réalisation concernent peu de jeunes et n’ont qu’un faible l’impact sur l’économie de ce merveilleux projet de construction du pont. Le pays a vu naître des numérique. écoles spécialisées dans les énergies renouvelables, l’agribusiness, la finance numérique, l’intelligence artificielle, les sciences, la technologie, l’ingénierie et Nous devons tout d’abord réconcilier tous les jeunes Africains au les mathématiques (STIM). L’internet des objets, l’e-commerce, l’e-gouvernement, numérique. On pourrait par exemple, organiser des séances de formation l’e-développement et l’e-tourisme se sont développés. Sans compter les des cybers arnaqueurs pour les reconvertir en ingénieurs informatiques avancées dans l’apprentissage technologique, la médecine, l’utilisations des au service de l’intérêt général, en montant par exemple des projets à fort données massives, le pilotage des drones … impact technologique et social, comme la fabrication d’objets connectés et le développement d’applications pour résoudre les défis communautaires. Grâce à cette multitude d’ingénieurs, de spécialistes et de consultants formés dans nos écoles, nous avons : Les pays africains pourraient aussi mutualiser leurs ressources financières - optimisé les délais d’élaboration du projet de pont en recourant à l’impression et créer une école continentale spécialisée dans le digital et l’économie 3D ; numérique. Cet institut de formation avec des incubateurs regrouperait • simplifié le quotidien des employés et de tous les Congolais en leur les meilleurs dans ce domaine en prévoyant des bourses d’études et un permettant d’accéder en temps réel à leur compte bancaire par le biais échange de compétences entre participants. Cette école serait basée sur de la 5G. Ils ont ainsi pu subvenir aux besoins financiers, alimentaires et le modèle des programmes d’échanges américains dont le Young African d’éducation de leur famille en leur transférant de l’argent via le service Leadership Initiative (YALI) initié par le département d’État américain de paiement mobile ; en 2010 pour dénicher les jeunes leaders africains de demain, mais s’intéresserait principalement au numérique et à ses dérivés. • électrifié le chantier en utilisant des énergies solaires et hydroélectriques Amour Freddy Bilombo Bazedimba - Nafiisa Adjoua N’Guessan -Côte d’Ivoire fournies par quantité de panneaux solaires positionnés au-dessus du fleuve, dotés d’un système de positionnement dynamique avec liaison République du Congo En plus de l’alphabétisation littéraire, les systèmes éducatifs doivent promouvoir une alphabétisation numérique théorique et pratique. Les Passionnée par le numérique, la littérature, l’écriture satellitaire (à l’aide du satellite africain lancé par le Ghana) permettant jeunes pourront mieux s’imprégner des exigences du monde de demain et le bénévolat, Nafiisa Adjoua N’Guessan écrit des articles de garder les coordonnées préalablement définies. Parallèlement, le À 24 ans, Amour-Freddy Bilombo est ingénieur et sur les problématiques du développement en Afrique. co-fondateur de FODAM, un organisme de microfinance s’ils apprennent à utiliser correctement les outils numériques dès le barrage hydroélectrique de INGA phase 6, construit sur le fleuve Congo, primaire. Autrement dit, il faut équiper les écoles urbaines et rurales de destiné à améliorer les conditions de vie en milieu rural, Blog : https://agounda.wordpress.com complète le besoin en électricité du chantier et fournit de l’énergie à en aidant les petits et micro-entrepreneurs (notamment salles multimédia avec un bon accès à internet et des enseignants de toute l’Afrique centrale et de l’Est. les femmes et les jeunes) à se lancer et à se développer. qualité. Parallèlement, il faut développer les formations en ligne pour • nourri le personnel du chantier avec une nourriture abondante et variée, permettre aux Africains de se former à n’importe quel âge. produite en République du Congo suite à l’autonomisation de l’agriculture avec des systèmes modernisés d’arrosage et d’irrigation reliés à des J’ai bon espoir parce que les choses bougent déjà en Côte d’Ivoire. L’État robots et pilotés par smartphone. Et surtout, grâce au réseau de drones a fait un travail formidable en subventionnant l’achat d’ordinateurs pour qui ont permis d’améliorer la surveillance des cultures et la distribution les étudiants à travers le projet, « Un étudiant, un ordinateur » dont la d’intrants. deuxième édition a été lancée en novembre 2018 à l’université Nangui Abrogoua à Abidjan. De leur côté, certains commerçants acceptent des Alors revenons en 2019 et rappelons à nos pays que c’est en embrassant toutes paiements échelonnés pour l’achat d’un ordinateur. ces avancées technologiques et en réalisant enfin ce pont que les deux Congo créeront des emplois et participeront à un e-développement responsable. De nombreux pays africains ont aussi développé les services publics en ligne mais ils doivent aller plus loin en recrutant de jeunes développeurs et informaticiens talentueux. Le super prix Jeunesse francophone, récemment décerné à Roland Alavo, un jeune de 24 ans, avec son projet de numérisation des lois du Bénin et de la Côte d’Ivoire, nous montre que nous sommes sur la bonne voie. 18 19 S’approprier Make internet affordable la technologie de demain in Africa, and the skills will grâce au e-learning soon follow Rendons-nous à l’évidence : le monde se numérise dans tous les secteurs. Since the beginning of the Digital Revolution, people have been wondering L’Afrique aussi suit le chemin de la numérisation, mais à une vitesse bien about digitization of the workplace and how it relates to production and moins vertigineuse que les autres continents, l’Europe, l’Amérique du sud, employment. Although a significant number of people want to box the idea l’Asie et Australie, sans oublier le grand vainqueur de la course, l’Amérique of digitizing workplaces into waging war on blue collar jobs, the reality du Nord. Sur notre continent-même, certains pays sont plus en retard couldn’t be far from that argument. que d’autres. Le fait que la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) n’ait qu’un taux de pénétration de l’Internet à 6 % montre combien In Africa, where human labor is still considered as a cheap commodity to tout ce qui touche au numérique a un grand retard à rattraper. capitalize on, workplaces are changing, and digital jobs are popping up frequently than usual. Hence, it is imperative for African youth to acquire Pourtant, un fait est sans équivoque : la vitesse avec laquelle la jeunesse the necessary skills so that they can be competent and productive in the congolaise s’approprie la technologie androïde donne à espérer. Cette digital economy. réalité montre qu’en ce siècle, l’androïde peut assurer le transfert des connaissances dans le processus de migrations de services vers le tout So what are these “necessary” skills that the world keeps talking about? numérique. Le système académique, tel qu’il est aujourd’hui conçu, est Should we leap over to teaching Africa’s youth high-level programming? Or figé. La non-budgétisation conséquente dans ce secteur ne permet pas de is it investing more the STEM streams in an attempt to get more engineers mettre à jour les programmes ni de les adapter à l’évolution technologique. and scientists? À défaut d’un smartphone, la quasi-majorité des étudiants possède au moins un téléphone androïde, qu’elle peut se procurer pour la modique Although teaching programming and investing in STEMs might not be a somme de 25 dollars. Tout comme l’étudiant achète des programmes bad idea, doing that alone still wouldn’t move us an inch when it comes to d’études à 10 ou 20 dollars, il pourra transformer son téléphone androïde the developing the skills we will need to capitalize on the digital economy. en un outil académique indispensable. À défaut d’un accès wifi sur le campus, dont le coût serait incorporé dans les frais académiques, l’achat The first (and perhaps the biggest) challenge in Ethiopia—and many d’un forfait Internet serait similaire aux frais engagés dans la réalisation African countries—when it comes to acquiring such skills, is that most des travaux pratiques. young people do not understand the digital economy phenomenon. In simple terms, people don’t take it seriously. In most African countries, Je propose ainsi la création d’une plateforme de cours en ligne à setting up a tech start up is far more difficult that getting a license to be a laquelle les universités devront s’affilier obligatoirement. En fonction merchant. This passive indifference to the reality of digital economy by the de leurs centres d’intérêt, et dès la deuxième ou troisième année de politicians in Africa is what is keeping the youth from acquiring the skills Master, les étudiants suivront une série de cours dans leur domaine of digital economy. choisi, avec une formation sous forme d’un tutoriel (vidéos, textes et enregistrements audio), plus pratique que théorique. Ces cours seront par To solve this, we need politicians and leaders in Africa who understand la suite sanctionnés par un examen pratique et s’inscriront dans le cursus what the digital economy is and the urgency of making it an “African académique choisi. Ces vidéos et enregistrements audio doivent pouvoir reality.” This can be manifested by investing heavily in digital literacy in être téléchargeables – une connexion permettant un streaming de qualité Hervé Mukulu Vulotwa - primary schools. Kids who grow up learning in a digital environment can Olansis M. Wolde -Ethiopia n’étant pas garantie en RDC. acquire the necessary skills to operate effectively in a digital economy. République Démocratique du Congo Pour gagner la confiance des universités, cette plateforme devra être Olansis M. Wolde is a student of journalism and Secondly, African countries, and particularly Ethiopia, must provide its communications studies at Addis Ababa University. He has affiliée à une organisation telle que l’UNESCO, en gestion commune Journaliste-multimédia et pigiste dans plusieurs médias, citizens with affordable broadband internet on a massive scale. The written three, award-winning articles for the World Bank’s avec le ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et Universitaire. D’autres Hervé Mukula Vulotwa est également bloggeur pour RNW internet has made it possible for knowledge to flow across boundaries Blog4dev essay contest on equitable development, gender universités de renom devront aussi en être des partenaires pour assurer et Mondoblog RFI. and digitalization topics. seamlessly. It is now possible to get a degree online, learn how to be a le mentorat. Si je m’exprime avec autant de passion en faveur de ces Blog : www.jambomag.mondoblog.org good cook by watching YouTube, or even launch a successful business with tutoriels, c’est parce que c’est grâce à eux que j’ai appris la création et nothing but a laptop and a decent internet connection. Unfortunately, most l’administration des sites web sous GMS, et que j’ai acquis la plupart de Africans are still in the dark due to lack of internet access. By providing mes connaissances en matière d’ d’e-marketing et de journalisme pour la youth an affordable internet, African nations and Ethiopia can equip their rédaction web, pendant ma dernière année de licence et après mon cursus young citizens with tools needed to succeed in the digital economy. en journalisme-multimédia. In conclusion, the digital economy is coming for Africa, and in doing so, Au final, et quels que soient les coûts induis par cette nouvelle façon it will bring big opportunities and some challenges along with it. By d’apprendre, elle restera toujours nettement moins onéreuse que son Investing in digital literacy and providing affordable internet to the youth, alternative (réservée à une poignée de privilégiés en RDC), à savoir celle it is possible to usher a new era of digital economy in Africa along with d’aller étudier dans les universités d’autres continents. a competent young generation that has the skills to drive it and be a backbone of the economy. Olansis M. Wolde, an Ethiopian national, is a winner of the World Bank Africa’s 2019 Blog4Dev competition. 20 21 Online learning, affordable internet services key to preparing Ghanaians for Photo Nate Palmer / World Bank the digital workforce Ghana Twenty-first century employers are currently looking for Blockchain experts, product photographers, writers for search engine optimization, Web UI/UX designers, WordPress developers, Enterprise architects, animation experts, Shopify developers, Asana project managers and Lead generation gurus. Is the young Ghanaian well equipped to compete for such jobs? No, but we could be. Google recently launched the Google Digital Skills for Africa program, which aims to equip African youth with digital skills to build businesses and create jobs. While this is a good attempt to prepare Ghanaians with the digital skills they need, the hard truth is that the youth will require advanced digital courses to thrive in the uncertain digital economy. So, what will it really take to enhance the skills needed to prepare Ghanaian youth for the digital economy and the future of work? My answer: expose young Ghanaians to freelance websites like Upwork, and online learning platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning. Photo Erick Rabemananoro / World Bank Every day, thousands of individuals and businesses go to Upwork in search of freelancers with specific technical and non-technical skills. For young Photo Ruth Mulahi / World Bank Ghanaians who are proactive about skill-related training and eager to keep up with new job market trends, this job platform is a gold mine. The platform provides deep insight into the emerging skills needed for 21st century businesses to thrive. Exposure to Upwork will not only help Ghanaian youth appreciate the rapid evolution of digital skills but also inspire them to re-skill themselves to remain relevant in the digital job market. To a large extent, the obsession of young Ghanaians with mobile phones makes this feasible. The challenge however, is gaining access to reliable and affordable data connections. This is where giant internet providers should step in to provide support in the form of low, internet service packages for the Dinah Recheal Blankson - Ghana youth. The goal is to make it possible for the youth to acquaint themselves on Upwork with the fastest growing in-demand skills and learn what is needed Recheal Blankson is an international development project to compete for digital jobs that did not exist five years ago. manager with a strong interest in education and youth empowerment. She graduated from the University of Strasbourg with a master’s degree in project management, Online learning platforms such as Udemy and LinkedIn Learning are making and advocates for educational equity for young people. tremendous investments in digital skills training. They deliver relevant courses to equip students with job-ready skills sought by 21st century Blog : https://www.autolifecoach.com/ employers. Unfortunately, these courses are not free and could cost anything between $20 and $200, a bit pricey for the average Ghanaian. In a show of support, Ghanaian tertiary institutions could push for affiliate partnerships with Udemy and LinkedIn in exchange for discounts for their students. Companies could also join in the challenge by providing generous scholarships or by waiving online tuition fees for young Ghanaians to keep up with the pace of technology. Other private sector interventions could include the provision of vibrant co-working spaces that are convenient enough to inspire life-long learning and innovation among Ghanaian youth. 22 23 Repenser le système Creating space for digital éducatif pour préparer learning in Africa la jeunesse africaine aux métiers de demain Digital economy refers to an economy that runs entirely on digital computing technologies. To be prepared for the digital economy, youth Guinée should understand their strengths, skills, and talents. At the same time, the involvement of various stakeholders in training youth—both in and out of school) with job-ready, transferable digital skills is needed. , Civil space, En Guinée, la solution pour fournir les compétences de demain à la public space, physical space, and digital space can be implemented to Kenya jeunesse africaine serait à mon avis de contourner les voies traditionnelles develop young people’s digital skills and curb youth unemployment in the de scolarisation. digital economy. Urgent actions include: Par exemple, chaque sous-préfecture pourrait tirer parti de l’installation de la fibre optique qui améliore nettement le débit de connexion internet, 1. Digital economy campaigns (creation of civic space) pour créer un centre informatique pour les moins de 20 ans. Dans ce Campaigns at relevant conferences and social media, to incorporate centre, parallèlement à leur scolarité classique, les jeunes pourraient youth are required. This will surely create a platform for stakeholders, être initiés pendant deux ans aux métiers de demain, en apprenant entre such as the government, to digitally train both in school and out-of- autres les bases de la programmation, l’utilisation des différents logiciels... school youth and digital entrepreneurs for future work. Also, more Il suffit d’un bâtiment et d’une dizaine de machines performantes et de platforms for digital employment will be created and more labor qualité par sous-préfecture, pour permettre au projet de prendre forme. market information systems shall be generated massively for the same. In general, civil space will generate better policy guidelines, improved « Mais qui seront les enseignants ? », me direz-vous. quality of basic education and improved higher skills demanded in the digital economy due to information accessibility. Ils seront guinéens, résidants ou originaires de ces sous-préfectures, formés dans le numérique. Ils seront chargés de détecter les talents 2. Young digital entrepreneur’s advocacy (Digital Space) réels et le potentiel des élèves lors des différents stages d’initiation. Ils Governments in Africa should enhance basic digital entrepreneurial sélectionneront les élèves les plus prometteurs et motivés. Ces derniers training for the youth. Advanced programs such as tax education, local seront ensuite encadrés et s’il le faut, obtiendront une bourse pour business internship and start-up loans for digital entrepreneurs should poursuivre leurs études. be introduced. Business loans in Kenya should be made easier for accessibility among the digital entrepreneurs. La rémunération des enseignants et leur prise en charge reste le plus grand défi à relever dans ce projet, qui pour sa phase pilote, pourrait par 3. Physical space creation exemple commencer à Konkouré, ma sous-préfecture d’origine. L’idéal A physical space will allow youth to be trained in teamwork spirit, serait que l’État prenne en charge leur salaire. Mais l’actualité de mon communication, creativity, and innovative spirit to prepare them for the pays est dominée par une grève du syndicat des enseignants qui ne digital economy. Due to globalization, life skills are important because cesse de durer. Alors il est inimaginable que le gouvernement accepte de the digital economy can only thrive in a more cooperative society. supporter le coût total de cette initiative qui à terme concernera plus de 300 nouveaux salariés. Cependant, il pourrait financer la phase pilote du 4. Policy formulations (Public Space) projet qui devrait seulement employer une dizaine d’enseignants. Des ONG pourraient faire don du matériel informatique. Enfin, les parents les plus Mohamed Alimou Diallo - Guinée Formulation and implementation of the best labor market information Jackton Oduor Badia - Kenya system and job for youth programs should be done either directly by aisés pourraient participer aux dépenses courantes du centre. the people or their parliamentary representatives. The causes for youth Jackton Badia earned a bachelor’s degree in geospatial unemployment and how to become fit for employment in the digital Les élèves sélectionnés au bout des deux ans de formation dans le engineering from the Technical University of Kenya. economy should be well outlined. In addition, policies that advocate Badia also serves as the secretary general of The Peoples centre, bénéficieront d’un accompagnement personnalisé jusqu’à la for wage subsidiary programs should be created to ensure employees Grassroot Investment, a socioeconomic group of 1000 fin de leur cursus scolaire afin de les orienter le mieux possible dans to hire and train youths on areas that are likely to link with digital members. leurs choix universitaires et de s’assurer que leurs études supérieures economy provisions. This plan will easily teach low-educated Kenyans leur permettront d’exercer le métier de leur choix dans le domaine des and Africans how to develop their digital skills, hence being productive nouvelles technologies. Ce travail d’accompagnement sera effectué par les in the digital economy. enseignants du centre, en collaboration étroite avec les établissements scolaires des environs. Finally, policies could be formulated to ensure a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates public, private and small medium enterprises to work La phase pilote du projet durera six ans et ne concernera que les together and to formalize the informal sector for the success of youth collégiens et lycéens de moins de 20 ans. À la fin de cette période, nous contribution towards a sustained digital economy. serons en mesure d’évaluer l’impact réel du centre. Si la majorité des élèves font un choix judicieux et s’orientent dans des secteurs porteurs, In conclusion, several interventions, policies, training, and advocacy are on pourra considérer que le projet est un succès et encourager le highly recommended in Africa to see the unemployed youths to tap and gouvernement à l’élargir à l’ensemble des sous-préfectures. benefit from the digital economy. Also, the youth are advised to continue being creative and hence benefit from the digital economy. Chers amis de la sous-préfecture de Konkouré, qu’en pensez-vous ? 24 25 Preparing Lesotho’s youth Working together to create for the Fourth Industrial Africa 2.0 Revolution through skills development, boosted by In nearly 20 years, the majority children entering in primary school around the world today will likely work as adults in jobs that do not exist yet. parental support If Africa fails to prepare our youth, we will undoubtedly find ourselves unable to enhance their digital skills and therefore become even more disadvantaged in the future. What it will take, for Basotho youth to learn digital skills? First, there must be a change of attitude toward smart phones and the internet. African countries must invest in public infrastructure to introduce youth to digital. Fab labs, small workshops of computer-guided, precision tools Just a few months ago, I sat in at the Selibeng Forum to learn that a high school made available to all, have become a keystone in the promotion of digital teacher had a problem assisting his students through WhatsApp as the students’ skills among young Africans. Its effectiveness relies on diversified features parents would not allow it. This is not unusual; many parents in Africa still including a collaborative approach, learning-by-doing, and local-oriented have a negative attitude toward technology. We have people buying leading projects fostering Africa’s youth creativity and engagement. smartphone brands as a status symbol, but who are not fully participating in the digital economy, let alone the creation of work. One way to change this negative Africa has to encourage communities and policymakers to open more perception among older generations could be through massive PR campaigns collaborative spaces such as fab labs, equip them with digital tools, and by governments and pertinent authorities. Such massive steps have to be taken make them accessible to public. as learning and working structure for by authorities because parents tend to pay attention to what authorities state youth to acquire, improve and practice their digital skills. rather than listening to their children. Regardless of how sound their argument may be. Unless parents understand the significance of the digital economy and Raspberry Pi offers a simple and cheap solution to allow a more inclusive the future of work enough to support the youth through the process, it will be digital tools and unlock new horizons for African children and youth. As almost impossible to enhance the required skills. We are already among leading three out of five youth (aged 15 to 24) in Africa are still offline, these smartphone consumers, we just have to start using them for even more of our infrastructures have to be equipped with internet access. Internet has the benefit. potential to be a game changer in Africa as a cornerstone of innovation and inclusion: digital platforms for cross-border projects, global digital Speaking of necessary skills, before we talk about the future of work, we should be talking about the future of education. Youth have got to start seeing smart economy integration and inclusive education with massive open online phones as digital economy participation and work creation tools, not just for courses. entertainment. They must be willing to learn about the power they hold in their hands. But it’s never been a better time to invest in human capital in Africa. Human dimensions of progress mustn’t be neglected as technologies serve Many young people in my country let schooling put a pause on their creative lives. no purpose without a human dimension. Africa must ready its youth to be Both parents and students think going to school is the most important thing. They and keep employable in the future of work. Two forces will take a key role ignore other creative talents and preparations for opportunities in the future of into giving the appropriate skills and reskilling African’s young people: work. As a result, we have multitudes of unemployed graduates. The advantage is that they have ample free time to learn and create great products. The limiting Governments factor is the shortage of a basic resource such as internet access. Preparing Africa’s youth requires that government involve with concrete policies on education: accessible education for low-income families, In dealing with youth, we have to start redefining cool beyond the classroom. science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) implementation, Cool isn’t just owning the latest smartphone. The “new cool” is disruptive and girls’ education. The government could adopt a downstream policy to entrepreneurship and creating a sustainable ecosystem for it. We have to start ease entrepreneurial ideas realization with measures like incentive tax, encouraging young people to creatively use technology for creation of work Khothatso Kolobe - Lesotho Livio Totozafy - Madagascar legal supports and interest-free loans. and to solve digital economy problems. This is where 100% network coverage and subsidized internet costs come in. It is why South Africa Connect is such a I am a multi dimensional being doing universal good. Totozafy Livio is a master’s degree student of political science African societies brilliant initiative. South Africa is worth the mention because Lesotho is not only at the Catholic University of Madagascar. For the past four years, The challenges on the continent include empowering African’s youth landlocked within it, but it also sometimes copies policies implemented by South Blog : khothatsokolobe.wordpress.com he has been a staff writer for the college newspaper, and he in crucial soft skills like leadership, creativity and resilience. Through believes that ideas can change the world. Africa. Simply put, if South Africa is doing it, it must be good for Lesotho, would be a popular notion. programs, mentoring and workshops, non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations are improving employment outcomes of But internet access is not enough to enhance skills; a bit of human contact is youth—particularly for out-of-school youth and girls—by being flexible and necessary. In fact, a lot of human contact will be necessary for people who have to adaptive for the changing needs of the workplace. learn new skills. The switch from a knowledge to skill-based economy is going to take face-to-face workshops and collaborative creativity in the form of incubators Africa 2.0 need youth to be entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and lifelong for both entrepreneurs and companies. For example, I applaud companies such as learners but as formal education doesn’t usually provide them with these Technify and Hyperion Development for their efforts in preparing people for the opportunities, communities have to get involved. future of work. Technify holds free monthly web design workshops among other tutorials and events, and Hyperion Development is an educational site that offers Our association, Jeunes Emergence de Madagascar, is a non-profit, skills training in areas such as coding that will be useful in the future. The trick is apolitical association providing a co-working space, internet access and to identify companies already doing something and expand their impact. a series of trainings (21 for now including economy, project management and personal development programs). The association is committed to All in all, it will take a positive attitude by parents, purposeful use of technology help Malagasy’s youth in all aspects of their life to achieve an ideal: by youth, increased network coverage, affordable internet access and articulate A better Madagascar! funding with incubation to prepare Lesotho’s youth for a digital future. 26 27 Malawi’s future-ready youth Pour un Mali pleinement need unconventional skills ancré dans le XXIème siècle training Lettre au Président de la République du Mali Malawi is not spared from the disruption caused by the digital economy. Automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence will soon disrupt the way we work, whether in the bustling Limbe Market, in Kanengo’s factories or in Ntchisi Boma’s government offices. Monsieur le Président, With skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and complex problem solving being Je m’appelle Alima, j’ai 15 ans et je suis originaire de la région de Sikasso. sought-after in the digitized economy, I have two recommendations that could make En ce bel après-midi de novembre 2018, nous célébrons l’arrivée de la Malawi’s youth well prepared and relevant for work in the digital age. connexion internet 3G dans mon village de Pimperna. L’occasion, pour moi, de vous faire part de mes réflexions à travers ce blog nouvellement créé. First, I believe that there should be compulsory personal development and digital Malawi skills subjects in school. From primary school through the end of secondary Je suis conscient du travail colossal que vous faites pour notre pays : il ne education, the curricula should include personal development and digital skills, and m’inspire que respect et admiration. Je me permets de partager avec vous both subjects should be equal in value to subjects such as English and mathematics. ma vision du Mali de demain. Peut-être est-elle trop colorée par des rêves d’adolescente, mais je suis persuadée, Monsieur le Président, que vous ne In personal development classes, the students should learn to embrace the m’en tiendrez pas rigueur. human skills that machines cannot execute—empathy, for example—leading to strengthened emotional intelligence. This would help develop self-awareness and mental wellbeing, as well as enable them to effectively relate to others. Developing Monsieur le Président, nous vivons une époque formidable : celle de la a better understanding of themselves and how to react to various situations will révolution numérique, où les technologies élargissent les champs du make the students more flexible and adaptable to the constantly evolving digital possible et sont la solution aux défis actuels en matière d’éducation economy. et d’emploi des jeunes. La robotique, la réalité virtuelle, les métiers du web, les « big data », la e-santé, les créateurs de logiciels d’application, In digital skills classes, students should learn skills such as computer programming, l’intelligence artificielle, sont autant de domaines prometteurs et because in the future workplace people will interact with machines and digital créateurs d’emplois. En plus de réduire le taux de chômage des jeunes, applications more than ever before. ces nouvelles technologies ont la capacité de stimuler notre économie, tout en répondant à nos besoins grâce à des solutions innovantes. Nous The delivery of the lessons should also be unconventional. Instead of exam- ne pourrons y parvenir, cependant, qu’en orientant nos systèmes éducatifs based assessments, in personal development, students should be assessed based vers les domaines des sciences et des technologies. Les métiers du on how they engage in dialogue with others. This will help to foster excellent futur s’apprennent aujourd’hui, car l’avenir est façonné par nos actions communication skills, how they work in teams, and how they embrace human values d’aujourd’hui. such as reconciliation, humility, and compassion. Therefore, everyone leaving school will be transformed with emotional intelligence and ability to work with digital Or, toute technologie exige une production d’énergie. Monsieur le technology. Président, avec notre beau soleil, nous pouvons alimenter en énergie tout le Mali et même exporter le surplus de notre production vers d’autres Secondly, students could benefit from a post-graduation innovation development program. The government could require all students set to graduate from all pays. Nous pouvons également nous spécialiser dans la fabrication de Malawian universities and vocational institutions to participate in a compulsory batteries à plus longue durée d’autonomie. La commercialisation de ces one-year innovation and professional development program after completing their batteries peut nous aider à mieux nous positionner sur le marché mondial. studies. A special institution could be set up to run the program. L’électrification nous permettra de mécaniser notre agriculture et d’en multiplier les bénéfices (dont l’augmentation des récoltes et la création Wrixon Mpanang’ombe - Malawi de milliers d’emplois dans l’agrobusiness). Elle facilitera par ailleurs la Ousmane Traoré - Mali Participants would be divided into small multidisciplinary working groups of about 10 to 15, comprised of graduates from various institutions and possessing diverse démocratisation de l’Internet, à meilleur coût et de meilleure qualité. Wrixon Mpanang’ombe is the founder of Our Fresh Futurez, À 28 ans, Ousmane Traoré est passionné par les nouvelles knowledge and skill sets. For example, one team could include an engineer, an a sustainability non-profit start-up, that aims to launch technologies et les métiers du web dont il a fait son métier economist, an environmentalist, and other newly-minted professionals. Each group the Malawi Sustainable Future Innovators Lab this year. Internet désenclavera le Mali, donnant ainsi la chance à tous d’apprendre en suivant des études sur le développement et la rédaction would be assigned to a target area to work in, with groups spread across the country. Mpanang’ombe holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental et d’avoir accès à tous les savoirs du monde. Il libèrera les talents et numérique. science and technology from the University of Malawi. stimulera la création d’entreprises et de startups innovantes pour répondre The groups would be guided by an expert special facilitator who would take the aux défis en matière de développement. La révolution numérique est une Blog : makaveli.mondoblog.org learners through the innovation process, from identifying a development challenge chance pour le Mali de concrétiser son développement à moindres frais. in their target area to implementing an innovative solution to solve the challenge. Je suis humblement persuadée que les technologies accessibles à tous The focus in the groups should be to leverage digital technologies in developing contribueront à améliorer notre capital humain et que l’énergie, l’accès à their innovations. Internet et une bonne formation des jeunes aux nouvelles technologies est la formule gagnante pour faire du Mali un pays émergent. These working groups would help participants to further enhance their teamwork, complex problem solving and creativity capabilities. The program would also further Merci, Monsieur le Président, d’avoir pris le temps de me lire et qui sait, de develop their emotional intelligence because the participants would have to use me laisser un commentaire et de partager cet article avec vos homologues their human skills in practical workplace settings to communicate and get along with others from different backgrounds. africains. These students would graduate after submitting a tangible, tested and scalable innovation that would solve social problems, and lead to entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. Also, they would be ready to work in the digital economy! 28 29 Digital is the pathway to the Africa we deserve Niger Not one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could be accomplished without digital. Information and communication technology (ICT) is increasingly disrupting our changing world. In Africa, the world’s youngest continent, it is crucial to ensure Africa’s greatest resource, youth, will be able to adjust efficiently and effectively as new skills are redefined by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. That’s why digital literacy is an imperative skill. For each African country, World Bank Vice President for Human Development integration of computer science training in the national curriculum must Annette Dixon and Musopa Kalenga, #Blog4Dev be a reality. Everyone does not need to master all ICT skills areas, but 2019 winner for Zambia. it is necessary for all—regardless of backgrounds—to develop digital proficiency. We need more learning platforms such as Massive Open Online Courses with relevant content as well as collaborative platforms to successfully help young people improve their leadership mindset, Photo Erick Rabemananoro / World Bank networking skills and at the same time their productivity, confidence and competitiveness. These platforms must be carefully designed and implemented, keeping in mind the needs and expectations and meeting them. For example, applying design thinking, a methodology that provides a solution-based approach to solving problems, can make a difference in analytical and critical thinking, and be a great asset in brainstorming meetings for better results. Getting more meaningful outcomes means making sure no one is left behind and giving a voice to those less heard. That’s where the data comes in. Data is the new currency for the digital age. The challenge is to have powerful data collection, analysis and visualization systems to support governments in strategic decision- making and stakeholder consultations. This is an opportunity to highlight i4policy, that is a pan-African movement of innovation hubs and community catalysts who support governments to improve innovation, entrepreneurship and youth employment policies. Governments cannot provide jobs for everyone, but they must create the conditions to allow Rabiatou Harouna Moussa - Niger everyone to get a job and ensure an inclusive economic growth. It becomes clear they must provide opportunities in promotion of the culture of Passionate about technology and business since entrepreneurship and support enabling entrepreneurship ecosystem. childhood, Rabiatou Moussa is a software engineer who amplifies her ability to develop the innovative tools and solutions needed to tackle the most pressing local and We cannot talk about the digital economy without mentioning the need global problems Moussa is a partnership and project to ensure connectivity across Africa that involves ICT infrastructure manager for the incubator L’Oasis des Entrepreneurs and deployment, internet access and rural and urban areas connections. an executive board member of NigeriElles, an association Unlocking Africa’s potential cannot be accomplished without having that promotes and supports women entrepreneurship influential leaders and bridging the digital gender gap. Women have in Niger. proven they are not just excellent in household chores and definitely have a role in the sustainable development. The Blog4Dev delegation got a briefing on Africa’s We young people should be aware that we are the most valuable resource macroeconomics by the World Bank Chief Economist of our lovely continent. We should stand up to become a vibrant workforce for Africa, Albert Zeufack. and embrace Ubuntuism: “I am because we are, and we are because I am.” As an old African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” There is a lot to do. If we work hard, keep Photo Erick Rabemananoro / World Bank determination, perseverance, commitment and passion, we will be unstoppable to achieve the Africa we want, the Africa we deserve! 30 31 National Youth Service Hands-on learning Corps and the future key to preparing of Nigeria’s digital economy young Rwandans Nigeria for the digital workforce According to Wikipedia, the digital economy simply refers to an economy that is based on digital computing technologies. In Nigeria, the digital economy is expected to generate $88 billion and three million jobs for citizens by 2021. The burning question is “how prepared are the youths for this emerging digital economy?” Rwanda Well, we may not be prepared right now, but the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) provides the perfect incubator to prepare the youths for the digital I used a laptop for the first time in the ninth grade. Until then, my future of work. education had consisted of cramming and regurgitating facts without any attempt at understanding and/or internalizing them. Thinking outside the Each year, the NYSC enlists at least 250,000 graduates to gain work experience box and finding creative and novel solutions to problems –a cornerstone while serving the nation in locations that are new to them. The program has of innovation–was frowned upon and actively discouraged. This, perhaps, is however been under-utilized, as policy makers have failed to recognize its Africa’s biggest problem – even more so in a field where the biggest names potential. started before they turned 30. To change the narrative, my idea is to create a digital platform for NYSC members to sign up as Digital Economy Ambassadors (DEAs). This platform Turning the tide and making Africa not just a consumer but also a creator will provide networking and funding opportunities; learning resources and specified strategies for NYSC members to drive digitalization during the of technology will take deliberate action by all the players involved. duration of their service year. For starters, the computer literacy rate must be aggressively increased. This can be facilitated by expansion into rural areas by the ministries Implementation of education and youth, private enterprises and even non-governmental NYSC members who are DEAs can specifically drive the digital economy and organizations with the aim of teaching young people how to use prepare for the future of work through the following ways: computers. Solving this challenge is the reason I am a major supporter - Digital Teachers: The majority of NYSC members are posted by the of student exchange programs between African tertiary institutions; if government to work as teachers in primary and secondary schools scattered all nothing else, the different viewpoints and mindsets exchange students over the country. This provides a perfect opportunity for the transfer of digital bring will hopefully trigger renewed investments by the tech industry. knowledge to their students. These NYSC teachers can also create digital clubs in the schools that they are posted to. Through these clubs, NYSC members Another major challenge that must be conquered is the availability of can prepare young students for the digital economy by using the learning steady internet. Knowledge is paramount in every industry, and knowledge resources available on the DEA platform. cannot be transmitted in the face of huge connectivity barriers. Africa can - Digital Projects: NYSC members are encouraged to undertake only become leaders in digital transformation and innovation if we focus individual projects during the duration of their service year. This is a great on skill acquisition and development. avenue to engage in digitally-inclined projects. For instance, during my own NYSC service year, I introduced a program at my workplace known as “Zeb Internship program” (ZIP). Through ZIP, I conducted software training for Damilola Adeniran - Nigeria Also, the presence of qualified instructors is a necessary ingredient in Sandrine Bwiza - Rwanda preparing young people for the digital age that we are advancing into. university interns to enable them stay relevant in the profession of urban Damilola Adeniran is an award-winning writer and community/ Reaching a 100% computer literacy rate is a lofty goal – one that would Sandrine Bwiza is the finance officer of Imagine We Rwanda, planning. NYSC members must be prepared to innovate similar impactful sustainable development advocate. An alumnus of VIMP at be unachievable without the aid of seasoned and competent instructors to a social enterprise which aims to change the reading culture digital projects during their service year. the prestigious Lagos Business School, Damilola’s writing on teach people the basic computer skills. among Rwanda’s children. Bwiza is a self-taught leader who - Digital Skill Acquisition: The NYSC has a program known as Skill sustainable peace won a PeaceWriteNow prize from the has contributed to women’s empowerment in Rwanda through Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED). SAED includes training Embassy of Ireland in 2018. several programs including Girl Guides and the Campus, a in ICT, engineering works and so on. There is a need to make more digital skills But perhaps the biggest step that can be taken to prepare young people program she ran for two years through Imagine We. Bwiza available and attractive for NYSC members. The Digital Economy Ambassadors for the future of work is the establishment of spaces where hands-on graduated from Mount Kenya University with a bachelor’s Platform (DEAP) will provide the theoretical background of the skills available learning is encouraged. These spaces not only help youths practicalize degree in art and mass communications. on the SAED program and guide NYSC members to make informed and the theoretical knowledge they have memorized in school, but also helps relevant choices. them develop complex social skills (such as teamwork and versatility) - Digital Start-ups: At the end of the NYSC year, the government that are invaluable in any professional setting. Imagine-nation, the co- makes interest-free loans available to NYSC members who have great working space set up by Imagine We Rwanda (an organization dedicated business ideas. This is a ready-made funding opportunity for NYSC members to improving the reading and writing culture in Rwanda) is one such space, to establish digital business that will create employment and directly drive nurturing and promoting startups and SMEs – such as Awesomely Limited, the country’s digital economy. DEAP will also provide a regularly updated list a local tech company partnering with Volkswagen Mobility Solutions. of other available funding opportunities and networking for NYSC members to set up joint ventures. In summary, preparing Africa’s youth for the digital economy will require taking small, solid steps instead of the much-touted leap of faith – this is, The NYSC has the potential to involve about a million Nigerian young in fact, the only way in which the successors to Uber, Airbnb and Apple will people and make them digitally ready for the future of work by 2021 if the be developed by African entrepreneurs. government, private sector, and especially the youth key in and carefully implement the strategies highlighted above. 32 33 Miser sur African youth le numérique et and their future le capital humain comme facteurs Sénégal in the job market de développement Sierra Leone De nos jours, une emprise dans le monde du numérique est un facteur de développement et une source d’ouverture internationale. D’où la nécessité With the increasing technological advancements, there is no doubt that d’accepter l’existence et l’évolution de l’économie numérique, à une époque où many jobs would be taken by machines in the future. In fact, this has la monnaie et les paiements électroniques prennent de plus en plus d’ampleur, manifested itself already as we have seen computers doing jobs that were et où l’intelligence artificielle et les innovations sont galopantes. Cette nouvelle once performed by people. forme d’économie est sur la voie de modifier, et même de faire disparaître certains emplois ; mais elle permettra aussi de donner naissance à d’autres, les This disadvantage of the technological advancement is a threat to the emplois dits « de demain ». Pour transmettre de meilleures compétences aux whole world and Africa stands to suffer, most especially, the continent’s jeunes Africains de mon pays, je propose le processus suivant. young people. In fact, Africans are suffering already with the current trend. The unavailability of jobs, skills and knowledge and the inability of Premièrement, il est nécessaire que les autorités étatiques intègrent pleinement African governments to cater for their youthful population are some of the le fait que l’économie numérique est étroitement liée à l’économie de l’éducation problems. To prepare for this foreseen problem that would be caused by et que le système éducatif sénégalais a besoin d’être mis à jour. Nous pouvons technological advancement, Africa needs to do the following: être compétents sans toutefois être armé des bonnes compétences. Or, c’est exactement cette qualité qui fait la différence sur le marché du travail, tant à Firstly, African governments have to invest heavily on developing the l’échelle nationale qu’internationale. Il est donc primordial de rendre les jeunes innovative skills of its youth. Many African countries have not done enough opérationnels, notamment en diminuant la théorie dans les établissements, pour to develop skills in the area of science and technology. This has resulted mieux prôner la pratique – les connaissances théoriques acquises lors de la in the continent largely dependent on the importation of technological transmission des compétences devront ainsi aboutir à des mises en applications products like radios, mobile phones, computers, cars, combine harvesters concrètes. etc. If Africans invests in youth to learn how to make some of this Deuxièmement, puisque c’est de numérique dont il s’agit, il faudra des equipment, that can help them secure jobs in the future. infrastructures adéquates et des éducateurs dûment formés. En outre, il faudra initier les jeunes dès le plus jeune âge à l’utilisation des nouvelles technologies de l’information et de la communication (NTIC), et ancrer la notion dans le Secondly, African governments must embark on massive industrialization. cadre scolaire (elle pourrait ainsi être renommée « nouvelles technologies de Lack of industries in Africa is one of the biggest reasons for lack of jobs, to l’information et de la communication au service de l’éducation », ou NTICE). countries losing young people and its raw materials to other continents. Africa has to therefore redirect their focus on the creation of industries to Troisièmement, il est nécessaire de prendre pleinement conscience que la massively create jobs for its youths. volonté seule ne suffit pas, et qu’il faut se donner les moyens nécessaires d’atteindre ses objectifs, parfois au prix de certains sacrifices. Nos dirigeants In my country, Sierra Leone, people do different things in small scale politiques devraient éviter les investissements non productifs et prendre en Ndèye Anta Diouck - Sénégal and there has been an outcry for industrialization, but nothing has been Tholoma Sumah - Sierra Leone considération l’importance d’investir dans le capital humain (comme mentionné done. I remember a local shoe manufacturer saying he could manufacture dans le rapport de la Banque mondiale, Projet sur le capital humain). Même boots for the entire security forces in the country if he is supported, but Parallèlement à sa licence en sciences économiques, Diouck Tholoma Sumah is a journalist with the Africa Young Voices si nous reconnaissons les efforts qui ont dernièrement été faits sur le plan du nothing has been done to date. With government support, the local shoe Ndeye Anta suit une formation professionnelle à l’Institut de Media Empire, and holds a diploma in mass communications, numérique, il reste encore beaucoup à faire pour endiguer les politiques à court management de Dakar (IMAN). Elle consacre le reste de son manufacturer would not only be able to manufacture such a huge number and has a special interest in the development of youth in Africa terme malheureusement souvent adoptées, et qui ralentissent notre processus temps à aider sa maman dans son petit commerce de fruits of boots, but he would also be able to employ thousands of youths in the especially those in innovation. de développement. et divers. country, paving the way to increase youth employment. There are many other case studies in the areas of fashion, agriculture, mining, marine etc. Soigner le système éducatif, diminuer la théorie, encourager l’adoption du Blog : https://tholomasumah.home.blog/ numérique et avant tout, miser sur la rentabilité de l’investissement dans Moreover, the need for corresponding legislation cannot be over le capital humain, sont autant d’éléments qui permettront de stimuler le emphasized. There should be laws or policies that would make innovation, développement de notre continent. Ce processus devra bien évidemment être industrialization and the creation of jobs a must by all governments. Many accompagné d’une prise de conscience de la place importante qu’occupent les changements mentaux et sociaux nécessaires à sa bonne réalisation. Son succès governments have not shown commitment in these areas because it is dépendra par ailleurs de notre capacité à être judicieux et rigoureux, et à établir not legally binding on them. African leaders must be taken to task for not des bilans internes comme externes pour transformer les faiblesses en forces, providing certain amount of jobs in their tenure of office. tout en tenant compte des opportunités et des menaces. Pour nous préparer et nous adapter aux emplois de demain, nous devons combattre cette tendance au In conclusion, Africa, especially my country Sierra Leone has the potential rejet de l’innovation et nous concentrer sur une bonne maîtrise du numérique. Il of making itself self-sufficient. It can create jobs to a point that it has to est temps pour notre continent, et notre pays, de penser leader et d’agir comme hire workers outside. The points I have mentioned above are achievable tel. and can help salvage the pending job catastrophe the advancement of technology stands to cause. 34 35 Overcoming digital challenges through freelancing opportunities in Somaliland (North Somalia) Somalia The digital economy is a new concept in North Somalia and the Somali regions. However, we can still find good examples that catch our attention; like zaad mobile money services in North Somalia, the e-commerce business Ari Farm in Somali, and many more e-commerce businesses by local nationals. Local and international non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) have also given great consideration to funding e-commerce business ideas by youth in general and information technology (IT) graduates in particular, e.g., Innovate Ventures in Somaliland. Nevertheless, many of our youth are still missing the skills needed to generate enough economy from the rapidly growing digital world. My blog will mainly discuss online freelancing as a source of digital economy, challenges, solutions and an insight into the future of work in Somaliland. Nowadays, there are many online freelancing platforms and dozens of online courses that teach how to make online income. One of the biggest freelance portals that is worth mentioning is UpWork, a platform that facilities transactions between employers around the globe and job hunters. This site only approves the profile of skilled and qualified freelancers when they register. Personally, I signed up and had my first job after I took online courses, and honestly the request for skilled workers will restrict Somaliland youth from entering the market. We can’t compare local job market with the international job markets. Challenges ahead of the Somali youth are quite threatening. We don’t have a payment system that directly transfers money to our local banks. Somali youth are likely to face language barriers. They need training on how they can sell their skills in international job markets. They need to acquire the skills needed to compete for online jobs. On the other hand, companies should also use such sites to create solutions for their business activities. Yasmin Ali Gedi - Somalia As a successful online freelancer, I saw the gap between the market supply and the online market demand. As such, I started WeFreelance as an effort to Yasmin Gedi is the founder of We, Freelance, and she works as bridge the gap between the local and international job markets. I introduce a consultant for the United Nations Development Programme, online freelancing to university graduates despite their faculty, help them Somalia. Gedi is passionate about writing blogs about social write their profile and connect them with clients. There are many things we issues for social change. can do with regard to connecting our youth with international job markets and creating more job opportunities. I think educational institutes should produce qualified students. I think the government should control and monitor the quality of those institutions. I think skills training centers should be opened with high-speed internet and laptops to train and provide a working space for freelancers. Companies can also find solutions to their problems by entering these online markets, or we can attract foreign companies to come to Somaliland through such portals CoderBus, a fleet of buses redesigned into mobile classrooms, Photo © CoderBus Madagascar As the job market in Somaliland fails to provide job opportunities to most reaching for rural and urban communities in Madagascar, of university graduates, more graduates will try to start their own freelance providing free coding lessons to kids aged 07 to 17 business. Those businesses will mainly depend on the internet as the offline business expenses is hard to afford by fresh graduates; as such more enabling #coderbus #freecodingforkids #stem4good #coderdojoMG environment is needed to boost digital economy activities in the country. www.facebook.com/coderbus www.coderbus.org www.stem4good.org 36 37 Needed for African Promote an enabling youth: Courses in environment for youth software and web employment and entrepreneurship development, and in the digital economy increased computer A digital economy is an economy based on digital technologies. This is South Soudan literacy an economy based on an internet (New Economy) with main components of e-business infrastructure which includes hardware, software, telecoms, networks, and human capital; e-business which includes the process of conducting business using the computer-mediated networks; and r-commerce which involves a transfer of goods from a place to another online. By 2050, the African population is estimated to be at 1.3 billion people; of which 15 – 20 million will constitute well-educated youth. South Africa The youth will be either employed, underemployed or unemployed. The continent will face a challenge of creating jobs to such young African or As our continent advances in the fields of technology, manufacturing, computer else, the continent will remain at the threat of political instability in the software and information, our economies become more digitized. Economic coming years. In order to enhance the skills needed to prepare the youth activities such as trade, financial systems, data and processes become more for the digital economy and future, the following need to be undertaken. based in the digital economy. This transformation brings new opportunities to the continent, and we will need certain skills that will best optimize them. The Africa needs a multi-stakeholder approach to create an enabling youth of Africa needs be at the forefront of this because our generation will be environment where the youth can live and drive digital economic trends. one of the first to have most of its economic activities in the digital economy. To achieve this, there is a need for the continent to invest in networking or connectivity, research, and design, and to improve and provide quality The digital economy will see a huge improvement of communication across comprehensive education to all without leaving anyone behind. This calls African countries, a result of better internet connection and new online for professional training in specific areas of the digital economy such as platforms connecting African consumers directly to African businesses, and coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. This approach increasing communication between African businesses, improving inter- is based on the fact that the Africa’s youth is trailing behind the Fourth continental trade. For African youth to fully benefit from this, they need to Industrial Revolution, where labor market, growth, and development need improve communication skills such as being fluent in two or more languages, new occupations, ways of organizing official works and coordination, new particularly those of countries in the same region, to be able to communicate skills for new jobs and new tools/facilities to help people do their jobs. orally and over emails/online. This skill can be developed through schools and courses that focus on either learning new languages. The digital economy has got new technological opportunities which are based on the internet. Aware of fragile nature of African states where A non-traditional skill that should be developed for youth to better maximize a political crisis is imminent, there is a need to actively encourage the improvement of communication in an African digital economy is learning software development, computer literacy and web development. These skills Tlogang Otsile Ketumile Makgwanya innovation, creativity, and exploration in education since institutionalized Daniel Athior Atem Manyuon - are essential in a digital economy because web platforms will be where most Mosupye - South Africa thinking in current education system hinders new teaching methods which South Soudan economic activities will be performed, so we’ll need a youth that are able to are critical in imparting digital skills and the ability to learn them. In such maintain, create and operate a website. This skill can be developed by having a situation, portable classrooms need to be embraced rather than the compulsory basic computer literacy training in primary school and more Tlogang Mosupye is a first-year student at Rhodes University current fixed classes. The youth need skills to new technology, access to Daniel Athior Atem Manyuon is currently pursuing a master’s advanced computer science related subjects in high school for those who studying international economics. He has interest in African and portable tablets/device-based education and thus making mobile digital degree in development finance at Strathmore University chose to carry on with it. international economics. Mosupye is also interested in African schools rather than still classes which characterize formal education Business School as a Mandela Institute for Development literature and art. Studies (MINDS Africa) scholar and author. system. The African digital economy will digitize more industries and decentralize industries which will result in economic development because it will be Besides, African youth need to be familiar with shared technological easier to set up businesses and find customers or go to an already establish drivers and create some homestay areas for sharing knowledge with online platforms and sell your services there or advertise your products. others, e-commerce logistics, e-commerce sellers and small-scale This will need Africans to develop a more traditional skill of marketing with e-commerce producers. This will lead to improved connectivity and a specific focus on marketing their products within the African continent business training skills to enable students and youth to increase their because of how the continent has a huge market that isn’t properly supplied knowledge through business training. Build entry-level skills, basic because international products don’t fully satisfy the African market. digital skills that create access points to employment opportunities since traditional jobs increasingly use digital technology in their daily operations The African digital economy will open new doors for Africa and its people, but with information and communications technology evolution. At a national African youth need to develop the skills needed to optimize this new economy. level, developing and implementing comprehensive national digital skill strategies and policies with shared information at the international level need to be included. This will promote an enabling environment for youth employment and entrepreneurship in the digital economy. 38 39 From education The journey towards to startup support, preparing Tanzanian let’s get ready youth for the digital for the digital Sudan economy and the future of work economy! Tanzania This digital age is not a temporary phenomenon or a trend that will vanish A lot of benefits will result from the digital economy if African youth are in a matter of time. It is the platform that brings the role players of the economic system together, creating what is known as the digital economy. equipped with the digital skills they need. We can therefore enhance these digital skills to young people in the following ways: The digital economy has changed the nature of work. Waking up at 6 am, finishing your work at 3 pm is not the only option anymore. Your office Encourage the culture of study internships could be your PC, your bed, or your favorite co-working space. Thanks to It is a rare culture for young Tanzanians to seek for internships unless entrepreneurship and Gig economy, they both play a vital role in shaping required by their learning institutions. By encouraging the culture of the experience of digital economy. As 35% of the world’s internet users seeking internships intentionally, it will add up as an advantage for youth are African, we can easily spot an opportunity for engaging with the world to gain digital skills that otherwise wouldn’t be obtained. Through the through digital platforms. On a bright note, many of Africa’s youth are moving culture of internships, students will also have a reflective time to redefine toward self-employment either as entrepreneurs or freelancers. But how can their career path and experience the work dynamics and define their own we enhance the skills of these young women and men to make them capable future works. of adapting with the needs of the digital economy of the future world? Update the information and communications technology (ICT) Millennials are digital natives. We all grew up in the age of digital technology. syllabus and policies But unfortunately, young people in Africa did not get this opportunity equally. The Tanzanian ICT syllabus and policies (Information Computer We have some catching up to do, so to make sure that we are ready for Technology) needs to be revised. In this curriculum, topics such as the future of work, we need to focus on information and communications digital skills, financial literacy and entrepreneurship can be included. technology (ICT) literacy among women and children in primary school. ICT The aim of these topics is to make the students learn on how they can literacy will give women, especially in rural areas, a chance to join the virtual make investments and be competent key players and users in the digital labor market. For example, many of today’s women in Sudan are using social economy and the future of work. By updating the syllabus, our nation will media to exhibit their products. These women saw social media as a platform to sell their products because of the challenges they would face due to be in a good position to create a generation of young people who are cultural and social constraints. solely well equipped with digital skills, entrepreneurial thinking which will boost investments in digital economy and shape the future of work In addition, for young people to join the digital economy we should dynamics. increase the investment opportunities for digital startups. I believe young Moneera Yassien - Sudan Alice Ahadi Magaka - Tanzania entrepreneurs should have the understanding of how to mobilize global Open access project hubs with unlimited internet investments to run their digital startups. For that, Venture capitals and angel Open access hubs with no restrictions in learning and unlimited access to investors should focus on working with young entrepreneurs and encourage Moneera Yassien is an economics graduate from the University internet facilities. Digital economy comes hand in hand with connectivity. Alice Magaka is a second-year student at African Leadership them to make use of the digital economy era. of Khartoum, as well as a researcher, social entrepreneur and In these hubs, the main target is to cultivate self-directed learning at University, pursuing Bachelor of Arts degree in global women’s rights activist. She is the founder of the youth led- a unique pace, while at the same time acquiring digital skills and take challenges, with a focus on healthcare and human capital. On the other hand, I know that in many African countries such as Sudan, organization AMNA, and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship ownership of their projects journey. Youth will be able to interact with Magaka also runs The Pink Box Project in Dar es Salaam, understanding of business doing regulations in general is weak for new Community Research Chapter which supports entrepreneurs her enterprise that deals with sustainable menstrual products. in Sudan. each other and group according to shared interests to work on the ventures. Entrepreneurs perceive existing policies and regulations as projects so long as the projects should involve a digital solution. In the generalized, unknown to many, and could be vague in some cases. The process of doing the projects, digital skills will be obtained and have a regulations in place constitute an obstacle for new business due to high chance to work hand in hand with the facilitators to reach their end goal. taxation and the necessity of interacting with the governmental offices Once each year, young people should showcase their innovations, pitch to at all stages of development. In considering public policy reformation for the investors, get funding, mentorship and kickstart their own ventures. businesses, there should be a focus on easing the procedures and have Thus, youth will have the ability to shape their own ways of working. specific regulations to Conclusion support and encourage young people to contribute to the digital Let’s face it: these recommended actions will work effectively when the economy era. government and other stakeholders open doors for youth who seek for internships in preparation for future of works, when education sector work Above all young people should be well informed and aware of the hand in hand with the technology world for frequent updates and when opportunities and challenges that will occur during the digital economy of telecommunication companies leverage the internet bundles to youth so the future, for them to consider and work on solving from an early stage. as to ensure the constant connectivity. 40 41 Favoriser Revise the curriculum la rêve’olution to save Uganda’s youth africaine par la voie de la souplesse Togo Le monde est en constante évolution, tout change et se transforme, au-delà même de ce qui était imaginable encore très récemment. L’esprit humain, tel un génie libéré de sa lampe, va de conquêtes en conquêtes et d’innovations The fact that digital is the new way of life is no longer rocket science for en innovations. Dans cet océan de bouleversements, trois éléments-clés Uganda anyone living in this new era. We are swamped with new technologies demeurent prépondérants pour notre jeunesse africaine : l’énergie, la passion which have contributed to the birth and growth of this era that is also et l’imagination. Autant d’atouts dont nous regorgeons. known as the “Internet” economy. Ce qu’il nous faut avant tout, c’est apprendre à apprendre, par le biais, It’s absurd that some of the schools in the African continent have not yet notamment, de ce que j’appelle des « ateliers rêve’olution », ou comment fully embraced the digital economy. And yet, truth be told, Africa’s youth appréhender la fluidité et l’adaptabilité en tant que disciplines et modeler spend majority of their time in school right from kindergarten till they nos connaissances en fonction des besoins. Ces ateliers permettraient des graduate from the university and may later go ahead to further purse their mises à jour permanentes et utiles sur les progrès techniques actuels, et sur education on master’s level. certains enjeux locaux, notamment en favorisant l’accès à l’entreprenariat. Il s’agirait ainsi de montrer les opportunités en exposant les besoins. Ces It is therefore important that the education system be revised, and the ateliers pourraient être itinérants, et réalisés à grande échelle, tout en restant curriculum greatly polished to best suit the digital economy. It is not à faible coût, par exemple grâce aux MOOC. Finis les cursus figés et rigides, enough for students to just be taught basic computer skills but rather, nous devons nous concentrer sur l’essentiel : apprendre à apprendre, inventer, their learning should be centrally based on digital technologies such as; détourner et combiner les savoirs… telle est la voie de la souplesse. the internet, software’s, computers and other information technologies. This will help the students get more familiar with this new era and from a Alors, comment développer les terrains créateurs de valeur de demain ? tender age they will have enough room to fully understand how the digital economy operates as well as be able to interact with various people, D’abord, en améliorant la production alimentaire moderne (hydroponie, institutions and organizations on a global platform. We can’t base our aquaculture, fermes urbaines, etc.) afin de produire partout et à moindre education entirely on theory and ignore the fact that the digital economy coût. L’objectif étant de changer les bouches à nourrir en bras travailleurs is more practical and is the new way of life. et en cerveaux créateurs. Plusieurs métiers seront ainsi créés autour de la maintenance, du monitorage et du traitement des données, des objets From personal experience, I spent about 18 years of my life in school connectés… L’imprimante 3D, encore balbutiante, va, dans un avenir plus si and majority of what I studied was theory based. It was not until I was lointain, révolutionner l’industrie. Être en mesure de fabriquer les pièces dont finalizing my time at the University that I was taught one course unit of nous avons besoin juste en téléchargeant les spécifications techniques sur Digital Communications. But this didn’t provide ample time for me to Internet sera un tournant majeur qui changera l’entrepreneuriat à tout jamais, get extremely well versed with how the digital economy operates. Fast en le démocratisant encore plus. forward, I have spent two years working in different public relations’ firms Ayi Renaud Dossavi-Alipoeh - Togo where our work is based mainly on digital marketing. Truth is, I was never Pearl Denise Agasha - Uganda Ensuite, en établissant le lien entre la technique moderne et les populations well prepared with the right skills from school and thus I had to learn the âgées ou rurales, tels ces jeunes qui offrent aujourd’hui leurs services en hard way. Well, if you are thrown in the deep ends, you must find a way to matière d’installation et de maintenance des applications mobiles aux À 26 ans, Ayi Renaud Dossavi-Alipoeh est écrivain, journaliste, swim because survival is for the fittest. So, I had to learn the hard way. Pearl Denise Agasha is head of client services at Kwanza vendeuses sur les marchés de Lomé, ou encore ces nombreux enseignants blogueur et a déjà publié cinq livres. En 2018, il a obtenu le prix Communications. She is also a digital marketer and public dont le smartphone leur sert de ressources de formation. Là encore, la littéraire France-Togo et remporté le concours d’écriture relations specialist, and enjoys reading, blogging and Therefore, I urge the stake holders involved in preparing school technique permet à l’enseignement et à la transmission de se démocratiser. « l’Afrique de mes rêves » organisé par la Banque socializing. Agasha finds joy in creating platforms for people curriculums and managing how the education systems in African to share their ideas, especially through writing. Africaine de Développement (BAD). countries operate, to revise their traditional systems to fit the digital Enfin, en décongestionnant les villes, pour investir de nouveaux espaces, economy. Otherwise, many African youths will be left behind as they will Blog : www.pearlygash.wordpress.com Blog : renaudossavi.mondoblog.org notamment ruraux. Cette « re ruralisation » permettra de diffuser be ill prepared, incompetent and unable to survive in this digital era. massivement les outils de la modernité technique sur le continent. Ce majeur tournant structurel et technique, voire civilisationnel, constitue la clé de voûte We can no longer afford to focus solely on theory and traditional ways of du progrès. La masse de richesses, de valeur et d’emplois nouveaux qui en learning when the world has gone digital. We must embrace this new way résultera est absolument gigantesque. of life and the faster we do it, the more prepared the youth will be for the digital economy because it is changing how everything operates. Le chantier est immense et les défis nombreux. La jeunesse africaine, passionnée et pleine d’énergie, les prendra à bras le corps. Car plus encore The time is now! que de faire face à demain, il s’agit de l’inventer, de le rêver et de le façonner. L’Afrique nous attend : célébrons sa jeunesse bâtisseuse et sa rêve’olution. 42 43 Investing in Africa’s youth need Human Capital: to be problem A key to preparing solvers, not part African youth for of the problem the future of work Zimbabwe Throughout the world, the nature of work is continuously evolving. Like Zambia many people in the past feared that machines are coming to take our jobs, The way schooling is mostly framed in Africa attracts people to employment many people in today’s world have this fear. especially conforming in few fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and A few months ago, I was having an “e-chat” with one of my friends. The accounting. There is little or no emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. conversation was about the introduction of electronic mobile money Noteworthy, these social dynamics have little to nothing to do with capital. With a mind that is taught only to obey the teacher, read books booths, which these are mobile booths where people in Zambia can send for regurgitation, pass examinations, graduate and look for employment and receive money anywhere in the country through a cashier hired by subsequently (and call that a life’s success), Africa is just but a continent full of the booth owner. The introduction of electronic mobile money booths that people whom a very few will make a cognitive difference and strike positive would operate similarly to ATMs will mean that cashiers’ jobs would be changes to our economies and countries for the better. lost. My friend was strongly against this idea, he wrote, “well it is a fact that people will lose their jobs.” This illustrates that even in today’s world, The system does not encourage innovation. Such observations towards the young people fear that machines will take our jobs and consequently existing education systems explains my idea to create Open Minds Initiative increase unemployment rates. Africa, a mission set to extend the current schooling to open minds wider and engage in groundbreaking exploits, so that people evolve with change and However, young people, governments and other stakeholders need to own up to the needs of the digital generation. As technology gets complex, understand that technology is the future and with the advancement of expectations from employee become more intricate as well. The initiative technology new opportunities will be created. But, this can only be realized will be a movement set to enhance personal competence by creating and if there are adequate investments in human capital as this critical area is promoting activities that foster critical reasoning, emotional hygiene, financial under-invested in. According to the World Bank Report 2019, “governments literacy, career and life planning etc. The mission is to research, enlighten, should be investing in human capital, particularly in early childhood to and equip African people to reason and explore life beyond the limitations develop high-order cognitive and social behavioral skills in addition to of basic education. To that end, extensive researches will be conducted foundational skills.” Investing in human capital is what it will take to on emotional intelligence and clinical psychology to determine learning enhance skills needed to prepare Zambia’s youth for the digital economy opportunities unique to the problems African people face in a way that makes and the future of work. This essay focuses on two types of human capital: use of the exponentially expanding technological advancements. Thus, this education and health. initiative will focus on curating findings into online and field lectures, themed workshops and themed campaigns that aim at complex problem solving, teamwork and adaptability – to meet the increasing demand in the labor Investing in education is vital in preparing for the Zambian youth for the future of work. Education in this context refers to formal and informal. Musopa Kalenga - Zambia market. Tatenda Magetsi - Zimbabwe Education should be more focused on empowering young people Open Minds Initiative Africa will help create an African identity that directs the with cognitive, adaptability and social behavioral skills such empathy, Musopa Kalenga is a scholarship program associate who is millennial to personal responsibility, achievement and innovation. Teaching Tatenda Magetsi is a recent cum laude graduate from resilience, perseverance, conflict resolution, relationship management, passionate about promoting girl child education and writing techniques such as critical thinking and expanded reasoning and nurturing a Bindura University, and is actively engaged in addressing critical thinking among others. These skills enhance human capital about developmental issues. She holds a Bachelor of Arts local social problems. He is a founding member of the Open new set of habits that guaranteed the rise of people like Elon Musk and Jack which is needed in the digital economy. While education speeds up the degree in international relations and development and is Mind Initiative Foundation, which provides training and pursuing a master’s Degree in development studies. Ma who have impacted their countries and the world. This will be achieved empowerment to young people who may otherwise not be development of new technologies, it also prepares young people for the through enlightening the youths about the reality of life including the able to afford a traditional education. He is a recent Rhodes future of work. indispensable call to integrate technology in every aspect of life. Additionally, Scholar elect and will complete his master’s and doctoral teaching financial and life planning for all will augment chances of creating studies at the University of Oxford, UK. The future of work will require a healthy population. Therefore, investing cosmopolitan workers and individuals who are highly adaptive to the in the heath sector is equally important. Investing in health will result technological developments of the artificial intelligence era. in increased productivity, life expectancy, new job prospects and human development. For example, in Zambia this would mean strengthening the In conclusion therefore, education is not just for passing information (limited health care system by promoting public-private partnerships and digital anyways) so that the growing youngsters know what a text book says and be technologies for health especially in government clinics and hospitals that awarded for regurgitating information. Instead it should be teaching the mind cater for the larger Zambian population. This is essential for the future of to reason aptly and think big according to its own unique capacity. Open Minds work; people are more productive when they are healthy. Initiative Africa will ensure that just as children start out naturally curious and experimental, such attributes should be maintained and guided in adulthood, as this helps enhance the skills needed to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital In conclusion, the African governments should make huge investments economy and the future of work. in the education and health sectors to prepare Africa’s youth for the future of work. Investments in human capital will increase an individual’s productivity. 44 45 Acknowledgements This book was a collective effort of the World Bank Africa Region External Communications and Partnerships (AFREC) Unit staff. Photo Nate Palmer / World Bank The steering team included Erick Rabemananoro, Ruth Mulahi, Keziah Muthembwa, Stephanie Crockett, Elena Queyranne, Alexandre Hery, Sarah Farhat, and Marie Duffour, under the leadership of Steven Shalita For their contribution and dedication, special thanks to Andrew Fred Massa, Carlyn Hambuba, Cheryl Khuphe, Dia Styvanley, Edmond Dingamhoudou, Elita Banda, Franck Bitemo, Gelila Woodeneh, Habibatou Gologo, Hassan Hirsi, Innocent Nsabimana, Kennedy Fosu, Lionel Yaro, Loy Nabeta, Mademba Ndiaye, Mamadou Bah, Mohamed Osman Hamid, Moses Kargbo, Enoh Ndri, Oarabile Minky Moilwa, Odilia Hebga, Rogers Kayihura, Sheila Kulubya, Uche Igwe, Vera Rosaer, Wilson Piassa, Yao Affengbedji, and Zandile Ratshitanga. We are also grateful to Kofi Tsikata, Sylvie Nenonene, Maura Leary, Anne Sengès, Aby Toure, Ekaterina Svirina, Daniella Van Leggelo Padilla, Dasan Bobo, Roxanne Bauer, Selena Batchily, Nate Palmer and John Mulaa for their constant availability to lend a hand. A deep appreciation to those who took time off their hectic Spring Meetings schedules to host the bloggers in various activities and events, particularly to Hafez Ghanem, the World Bank Vice President for Africa Region, Sheila Redzepi, the World Bank Vice President for External and Corporate Relations, Annette Dixon, the World Bank Vice President for Human Development and Albert Zeufack, the World Bank Chief Economist for Africa Region. Last but not least, the team expresses their deepest gratitude to Diarietou Gaye and to the World Bank Photo Nate Palmer / World Bank Photo Nate Palmer / World Bank Country Directors and Country Managers across the region for their tremendous support to #Blog4Dev. © The World Bank 2019 Photo Erick Rabemananoro / World Bank Photo Nate Palmer / World Bank Photo Nate Palmer / World Bank 46 Photos : Nate Palmer / World Bank The #Blog4Dev 2019 winners representing 32 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa were invited to attend the World Bank/ International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in Washington. Twenty-three of them were able to make the trip from April 7 to 14, 2019. They were joined by the best student of the “Journalism for Development course in Francophone countries” and the winner of the Social Inclusion Heroes competition (both organized by the Africa Region’s Communications and Partnerships Unit in 2018). After the Awards Ceremony on Monday April 8, the Youth Delegation participated in several activities. • High-level meetings with Hafez Ghanem, the World Bank Vice President for Africa Region, and Sheila Redzepi, the World Bank Vice President for External and Corporate Relations. Some representatives were also received by Annette Dixon, the World Bank Vice President for Human Development. • A briefing on Africa’s macroeconomics by Albert Zeufack, the World Bank Chief Economist for Africa . • A consultation workshop on the Youth Transforming Africa program with Steven Shalita, Manager, Communications and Partnerships, Africa Region, World Bank. • A youth to youth discussion panel on “How can the creative industry help to stem fragility”? Panelists included Trésor Mpauni, artist and refugee, winner of the Social Inclusion Heroes competition, Léonce Gamai, best student of the “Journalism for Development course in Francophone countries”, and #Blog4Dev 2019 winner Damilola Adeniran (Nigeria). • Other Spring Meetings events, briefings, and trainings completed the program. The #Blog4Dev 2019 winners were also introduced to their Government delegations attending the Spring Meetings, and were massively promoted in the World Bank Africa Region Social Media channels. https://blogs.worldbank.org/youth-transforming-africa/ The World Bank, Africa Region, April 2019