Vodacom Group has teamed up with technology providers to equip Africa’s youth with digital skills, reinforcing our commitment to advancing digital literacy for the next generation.

More than 230 million jobs will require digital skills in Africa by 2030, according to the International Finance Corporation. By 2035, it is estimated that more young Africans will be joining the workforce than in any other region of the world.

The Digital Skills Hub was designed to bridge this gap. From South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Egypt (Ta3limy), the Democratic Republic of Congo (VodaEduc) and Kenya (Industry Digital Talent Programme), the initiative aims to upskill one million youth by 2027.

Launched in November 2024, the Digital Skills Hub offers a diverse range of courses designed to accommodate learners of all levels and backgrounds, from seasoned professionals looking to upskill to newcomers eager to embark on a digital journey. Making information easy to access allows users to interact with digital technology, build skills, and gain understanding and confidence in digital tools.

The Digital Skills Hub is a significant step towards building Africa’s digital workforce and empowering the next generation of innovators to drive the continent’s progress in a digital era.

Shameel Joosub
Shameel JoosubGroup CEO

“With over 400 million young people between the ages of 15 and 35 in Africa, the continent has the youngest population in the world. Digital is the new currency. It is therefore imperative that we invest in them and provide them with the necessary digital skills that will not only boost their growth and development but that of the continent too.”

Vodacom’s 14 core digital skills for the future

As part of the Vodacom Digital Skills Hub, we have identified 14 core digital skills as essential for the future. These skills reflect the evolving needs of the digital economy and the transition of businesses like Vodacom towards a tech-driven future.

1. Blockchain

The technology behind cryptocurrencies, blockchain has applications in secure data management, supply chain tracking, and smart contracts.

2. Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI involves creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making and language translation.

3. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA involves automating repetitive business processes using software robots, increasing efficiency and reducing errors.

4. Digital media

Encompasses the creation, management, and distribution of digital content, including images, videos, audio, and text.

5. Cybersecurity

Protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorised access, theft, damage or disruption.

6. Machine learning

A subset of AI, machine learning involves creating algorithms that allow systems to learn from data and improve their performance on a specific task without being explicitly programmed.

7. Cloud computing

The delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and intelligence, over the internet (“the cloud”).

8. Software engineering

The application of engineering principles to the design, development, maintenance, testing and evaluation of software.

9. Fintech

The use of technology to improve and automate financial services.

10. Internet of Things (IoT)

The network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors and connectivity, enabling these objects to collect and exchange data.

11. UI/UX design

UI (user interface) design focuses on the visual elements that users interact with, while UX (user experience) design focuses on the overall experience a user has when interacting with a product or service.

12. Big data analytics

The process of examining large and varied data sets to uncover hidden patterns, unknown correlations, market trends, customer preferences and other useful business information.

13. Agile

A project management approach that emphasises flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

14. Digital services (lifestyle content)

The creation and delivery of digital content and services that enhance people's lifestyles, such as entertainment, health and wellness apps.

By developing these skills, individuals can position themselves for success in the digital age and contribute to the growth of the digital economy. Access the Digital Skills Hub here.