YOUTHS, TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE-AFRICA AS A CASE STUDY

YOUTHS, TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE-AFRICA AS A CASE STUDY

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The COVID-19 pandemic was a real eye-opener in all sectors of the world economy. Everyone came to an understanding and might even have arrived at the same conclusion; the future is going to be more Technology whether in the area of health, entertainment, education, business or even marketing and advertising. People discovered a lot of things that could be achieved with the use of technology not just as a mode of communication but also as a life-saving tool. Hence the rush to acquire digital skills so as not to be left behind in an evolving world by young people.

No wonder African youths are now making frantic efforts to discover and make their own boom in this new black gold market. With determination and innovative thinking, startups are increasing and becoming more popular in Africa thanks to technology and a large market. But despite these seemingly mild successes, there are still a lot of disparities hindering young people from achieving their full potential with technology. For example in Africa's most populous country, Nigeria, the challenges are even more overpowering with a combination of epileptic power supply, inadequate and costly tools and materials to work with, daily battle with an unreliable internet connection, the list goes on and on.

Despite the shout and cries of youth power and might here and there, a private sector incapable of absorbing them plus the inability of the government to create an enabling environment for them to thrive is disheartening and could mean most of these youths could either be unemployed or even underemployed.

Faced with this glaring prospect of joblessness, young people are taking chances and moving forward with their destinies in their own hands by gaining skills that would enable them to thrive in their workplace or wherever they find themselves.
A report published by Google and International Financial Cooperation shows that about 31% of software developers in Africa are self-taught and this is not just in software development but in most digital skills. So what are the ways by which the youths, private and public sectors can fastrack technological advancement in Africa?

First and foremost, is the need for huge investment in developing the innovative skills of the young people just like the Asian Tigers did in the 1960s. No government has the capacity to do it alone and this is where the private sector comes into the picture through various investment programs and startup financing so as to promote the development of skills in areas of science and technology. Also, there should be more encouragement for practical exploration of science and technology and not just focusing on the theoretical aspects alone.

Secondly, governments at all levels must embark on massive industrialization because lack of industries is if not the biggest reason for lack of jobs, is one of the main factors contributing to the continent losing its young people and its raw materials to other continents on a yearly basis. Africa as a whole, therefore, has to restrategize and redirect its focus on the creation of more
industries to create more jobs for youths because the truth of the whole matter is that most of those technological products that we import yearly like mobile phones, personal computers e.t.c can easily be produced right here in Africa with the right resources, our large manpower and creative thinkers.

Thirdly, the role of the legislative arm cannot be overemphasized in the sense that laws or policies are needed to make innovation, industrialization and the creation of jobs a must for all governments. Many governments have not shown so much effort in these areas because it is not legally binding on them and even find it difficult to maintain the ones that are available. So African leaders must be tasked with providing a stipulated amount of jobs in their tenure of office. This is to make them more accountable in the area of development and building of necessary infrastructures.

Fourth, individuals, charity organizations must encourage funding of innovative ideas and technological startups with incentives, subsidies, low-interest loans, scholarships and other various means to boost technological advancement in Africa because the market in Africa for technology is very big due to a large number of creative brains in the continent and a much larger market for its products so a win for technological advancement would be a big win for everyone in the area of development.

Also is the need to create an enabling environment for the government of all parastatals where technology can thrive through adequate security for the protection of lives and properties, adequate power supply, a stable and reliable internet connection and availability of technological tools and materials at a reduced price to enable young people to engage in science and technology with ease and peace of mind.

Finally, the young people must be relentless in their desire to make a name for themselves in the technological space no matter the challenges and obstacles they might face at any given point in time. Trust me, the process wouldn't be easy sometimes with little or zero support but then as the saying goes "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you will land among the stars." So even if you are not getting there as fast as you expected or you keep getting rejection letters, just keep striving and keep doing. Sooner or later the earth is gonna reward you for your diligence (this is basically a word of encouragement to myself and everyone reading).

Thank you, Sayonara ✌️