Enhancing youth digital skills: Vital for a prosperous tomorrow

TANZANIA is on the verge of a digital transformation that has the potential to reshape its economy and society.

However, while urban centres are advancing technologically, many rural areas remain disconnected.

This digital divide extends beyond mere access to technology; it includes the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 highlights a pressing issue: by 2025, half of all employees will need reskilling due to rapid technological changes.

In Tanzania, this challenge is particularly acute among youth, who face a significant digital skills gap.

Bridging this gap is crucial for fostering inclusive growth and advancing the nation’s digital economy.

Tanzania’s digital landscape shows stark contrasts.

Urban areas are moving forward with 5G services, while many rural communities still depend on outdated 2G and 3G networks.

This disparity is worsened by high costs for internet-enabled devices, low digital literacy, distrust of online platforms, insufficient privacy protections and inconsistent electricity supply.

The 2020 Tanzania Youth Digital Summit revealed that 41 per cent of attendees were unaware of the internet’s benefits and an overwhelming 99 per cent acknowledged the need for improved digital skills to enhance their business and career prospects.

The Digital Skills Gap Index (2021) ranks Tanzania 13th out of 26 African countries, with a score of just 3.3 out of 10.

Additionally, the GSMA’s 2023 report indicates that about 40 percent of mobile broadband users do not utilise mobile internet services, highlighting significant barriers to digital adoption.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between the public and private sectors. Vodacom Tanzania is prioritising this initiative with innovative programs aimed at closing the digital skills gap.

One standout program is Code Like a Girl, which empowers young women by introducing them to coding and STEM careers.

This initiative is vital for increasing digital inclusion and preparing a workforce equipped with essential skills for tomorrow’s technology-driven jobs.

Mariam Rajabu, a participant with hearing impairment, shares her excitement: “I’ve always been fascinated by how computers work.

This training has opened new possibilities for me.

We’ve learned how to create websites and use technology to reach our goals.

I’m thrilled about how these skills can help me in the future and make a difference in my community.”

Another significant initiative is the e-Fahamu platform, offered free of charge to Vodacom customers through the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation.

This platform enhances digital skills among students nationwide by providing access to online educational content.

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As students engage with eFahamu, they improve their tech proficiency and gain skills in information retrieval, online collaboration and digital literacy—preparing them for future careers in a tech centric world.

Elisha Lazaro, a student at Mgama Secondary School in the Iringa region, notes, “The e-Fahamu program has been tremendously helpful.

I can now use a computer to learn and easily access educational resources online.

Through the e-Fahamu website, we can find valuable information to enhance our studies.”

Earlier this year, Vodacom Tanzania hosted the Future Ready Summit, which brought together tech enthusiasts, industry experts and dignitaries from across the continent and beyond.

This summit showcased technological innovations and provided practical insights and hands-on experiences that ignited interest in digital skills among young Tanzanians.

During a side event at the summit, Vodacom and Huawei signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate digital education in public schools across the country.

The company’s Managing Director, Philip Besiimire, emphasises their commitment: “We are dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering the next generation with essential digital skills.

Initiatives such as Code Like a Girl, the Future Ready Summit, Innovation Week Tanzania, the Vodacom Digital Accelerator and the e-Fahamu platform are all part of our broader mission to ensure every Tanzanian has access to the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital age.

By investing in education and fostering inclusivity, we are contributing to a more equitable society and driving innovations that will shape Tanzania’s future.”

Despite the progress made, the journey to fully bridge the digital divide continues.

It requires ongoing collaboration between the public and private sectors, focused investments in education, and a commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, has the chance to succeed in a digital world.

By prioritising digital literacy and fostering innovation, Tanzania can unlock the full potential of its youth, driving sustainable growth and paving the way for a future where every citizen can participate in and succeed within the digital economy.

Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for Tanzania—one where no one is left behind in the race toward digital transformation.