African states told to up investment in tech to bridge skills gap
Business
By
David Ochami
| Aug 29, 2019
African countries have been urged to invest more in technology and science to help bridge the skills gap on the continent.
Participants at the 58th annual African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) Governing Council in Mombasa yesterday were told that despite recent advances in adoption of modern technologies, the continent lacks skills needed to spur industrialisation to match the West. ICT Principal Secretary Jerome Ochieng (pictured) said that Africa’s skills gap has become more acute with the rapid transformation of the global economy.
“New technologies and services are emerging over the horizon with digital technologies dominating our daily activities, not only in the context of governments and businesses but also as individuals. Therein lies the opportunity for AFRALTI whose core mission is capacity building,” said Ochieng in a speech read on his behalf by the Communications Authority of Kenya Chairman Ngene Gituku. “As new technologies emerge, new sets of skills are also required for companies to turn them into business opportunities and create new jobs,” he added.
The PS said Africa requires 4.3 million new scientists and engineers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and agriculture in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2063.
He said Africans must invest in new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things to effectively compete in the rapidly changing global digital economy.
READ MORE
Expert: The shilling has regained value, but don't expect it to last
Unearthing the artifacts of WWII: A journey through Matuu and beyond
Roam, County Bus Service partner to deploy 200 electric buses
Budget cuts loom for Parliament thanks to Sh9.6b Bunge Towers
Private sector partnerships important to catalysing sports
Tax stand-off as boda boda riders defy county call to pay
Islamic banking gets traction in Africa as Salaam Bank feted
Data privacy major challenge for Kenya's digital space, report
Angola ICT Minister: Invest in space industry to ensure a connected, peaceful Africa
- Expert: The shilling has regained value, but don't expect it to last
- Budget cuts loom for Parliament thanks to Sh9.6b Bunge Towers
- Job cuts loom as Ruto now targets State-owned firms to fund Sh4tr budget