Melle Tiel Groenestege’s Post

Unlocking opportunities in the digital era through affordable smart devices remains a challenge across SSA. In South Africa, for instance, smartphones have been classified and are regarded as luxury goods, and hence, the high tax levied on them 🇿🇦 Further, it is important to note that smartphone penetration remains a key barrier to adoption. As the GSMA Africa Policy team, in 2025, we will be commissioning what is to be titled the Smartphone Affordability Study in South Africa NB: Be on the lookout for the Kenya and Zambia studies that are nearing their completion and will soon be published 🇰🇪 🇿🇲 #Leave No One Behind # Everyone is Represented. Everyone is connected GSMA - Public Policy GSMA

Over the next decade, digital skills will become indispensable, with 9 out of 10 jobs globally expected to require them. Yet, the digital divide persists, exacerbating inequalities in access to technology and digital literacy. Marginalized groups face heightened risks of being left behind in this rapidly advancing digital landscape. In Africa, the potential of a $180 billion digital economy has ignited a race among Silicon Valley giants to build internet infrastructure. Africa already commands 70% of the world's $1 trillion mobile money market, showcasing its immense potential in the digital sphere. With technology shaping industries worldwide, being proficient in computer skills opens doors to many opportunities. Together with new partners like unconnected.org Our computer training program aims to increase number of certified students from about 2000 in the last 8 years to reach the 10,000 mark in the upcoming years, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. Learn more about us at https://lnkd.in/dKnciBSN #TechSkills #digitalentrepreneurship #computerclasses

The global IT sector faces a major skills shortage, as demand for skilled professionals surges. This gap is a growing challenge for both established and emerging economies. Read more... 👇 #ITskills #DigitalTransformation #ITJobs https://bit.ly/3Y5qGUi

📢 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀: 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀! 📢 The Department of Industry, Science and Resources is ramping up its efforts to support professionals in setting international standards for critical technologies. Here’s what you need to know: 💡 Training programs are now available to help Australians contribute to global technology standards. 💡 Training on different topics will be on offer until June 2026. You can apply anytime to join the program and access the latest training session dates. 💡 The training workshops, led by experts in each subject area, are highly interactive sessions with theory and practical components. 🚀 Want to make a mark in shaping the future of technology? Take advantage of these training opportunities to gain the skills and insights needed to drive international standards in critical tech areas. Learn more and get involved: https://lnkd.in/gBaj-qEh #TechOpportunity #ProfessionalDevelopment #Australia #IndustryInsights #FutureTech

The Chinese technology firm Huawei is expanding its African digital skills training efforts. According to Ventureburn, the company is expanding its digital skills training efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa. Huawei is pledging to train an additional 150,000 people, after having already trained 120,000 people over the past 26 months. “There is a pressing need to equip talent in Sub-Saharan Africa with digital skills,” said Jeff Wang, Senior Vice President and President of Public Affairs and Communications at Huawei, per Ventureburn. Many global technology firms have identified digital skills training as an opportunity to drive impact and develop a market for their solutions in Africa. After all, an up-skilled individual or business owner is much more likely to need and understand how to use software, cloud storage, and so on, if they acquire a basic set of digital skills. Huawei's expanded digital skills efforts were announced at the recent LEAP Summit in Shanghai. #africa #digitalskills #subsaharanafrica #bigtech “After more than two years of development, we are glad to see that so many people have benefited from it.” https://lnkd.in/gYXU8U3B

The Importance of Digital Literacy in Today’s World We live in a time where technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity. From how we communicate to how we learn, work, and solve problems, being tech-savvy has become one of the most critical skills for individuals and organizations to thrive. Digital literacy goes beyond knowing how to use a smartphone or send emails; it’s about understanding how to navigate, evaluate, and create using digital tools. In countries like the United States and China, technology has become the backbone of innovation and development. The U.S. leads in software advancements, artificial intelligence, and creative tech industries, while China dominates in hardware production, 5G technology, and large-scale digital ecosystems like Alibaba and Tencent. These advancements drive global competition and shape how economies grow. For us here in Nigeria and across Africa, embracing digital literacy is crucial for bridging the gap between traditional systems and the global digital economy. It’s not just about catching up; it’s about using these tools to solve our unique challenges from improving education with e-learning platforms to expanding businesses through e-commerce. Being tech-savvy also helps organizations to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. Businesses that leverage technology for communication, project management, and data analysis are not only more efficient but also more competitive. Digital tools like Zoom, Slack, and Google Workspace have proven invaluable in this remote and hybrid work era. On an individual level, digital literacy opens doors to opportunities whether it’s a remote job, starting a side hustle, or accessing global markets. The more we understand and utilize these tools, the more prepared we are to succeed in today’s tech-driven world. Technology is vast and ever-evolving, and the sooner we embrace it, the more equipped we’ll be to compete on a global stage. What’s one digital tool or skill you’d like to master this year? Let’s share ideas and grow together! #DigitalLiteracy #TechSavvy #FutureSkills #GlobalOpportunities

💻✨ Access to the internet is not just a convenience; it's essential for prosperity, evolution and sustainability. The internet enables equitable access to information, educational opportunities, financial services, and markets, empowering communities to build sustainable economies and resilient societies. Globally, 67% of the population is online, but 2.6 billion people lack this vital connection, crucial for promoting SDG 9. 🌎 In the US alone, over 40 million people lack internet access. Similarly, in the EU, approximately 11 million citizens face barriers to internet access. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the digital divide exacerbated educational disparities, with a quarter of US students unable to access remote learning. In the UK, households without internet miss out on significant savings and opportunities, highlighting the broader impact on education, employment, and economic well-being. 🔗📚 Globally, countries like South Africa and India face significant internet access challenges, impacting around 70% of their populations. 💻 📆To tackle this issue, join us on July 16, 2024, at 6pm (UTC+10) for an enlightening webinar on SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure // Sustainable Living. 🔗 Register now to make a difference: https://lnkd.in/dbTpVEWQ (link in bio) Let's collaborate to ensure universal access to the internet and pave the way for a sustainable future! 💪🌍 #SDG9 #internet #sustainabledevelopment #webinar #globalgoals #digitaldivide #digital #thrive #thrivabilitymatters #climatechange #SDGs #industry #innovation #infrastructure #industrialisation

Countries in the Middle East have invested deeply in digital education and infrastructure. Will it pay off in the digital economy? Only if talent models adapt for the digital age, too, according to Sergey Yakimenko. This report explores how the  Middle East can adapt education, training and recruitment for the #DigitalAge: https://lnkd.in/d3mKbfUB

The World Economic Forum predicts Southeast Asia's internet economy will reach $1,000,000,000,000 (that's one trillion) by 2030. In order to realize this impressive milestone, however, there's much work to be done. For starters, we must continue to focus on bringing remote residents online, closing the mobile broadband coverage gap, and fostering education that supports digital literacy. A worthy, yet lofty goal. https://bit.ly/49peAaU