Understanding the growth of Africa’s labour market

The growth in the world’s labor market is in Africa. In the next 30 years, it is projected that Sub-Saharan Africa’s working-age population will increase more than twofold, accounting for 68 per cent of the world’s total growth. Understanding the need for language competence and technological skills in today's job market, Stephen Betsbier, the Government Partnership Manager at Snapplify, discusses the importance of democratizing access to education across the continent. Snapplify, a technology company, is at the forefront of solving educational challenges using technology on a large scale. Betsbier highlights the significant changes in the learning environment, especially in Africa, where there has been a rapid integration of technology in education. It is crucial to enhance the literacy and digital skills of the workforce and young population to boost their employability and competitiveness in the labor market. He emphasizes the impact of connectivity in bridging the educational gap, particularly in remote areas, and how technology can revolutionize access to educational resources. The democratization of education is about ensuring historically marginalized communities, especially in rural regions, have equal opportunities for quality education through technology and internet access. Snapplify's e-library project is a prime example of providing a world-class digital library accessible to anyone with a mobile phone, thus transforming the educational landscape. Despite challenges such as connectivity issues and access to devices, Betsbier remains optimistic about the incremental progress in addressing these obstacles. By focusing on solutions and leveraging the potential of technology, more students and teachers can benefit from high-quality educational tools and resources. The EdTech sector presents various challenges and opportunities within the education system. While access to connectivity remains a hurdle, the increasing availability of mobile phones and internet connectivity in remote schools is a positive trend. Betsbier stresses the importance of not being discouraged by challenges but instead, focusing on gradual solutions to improve access to quality education. The investment and interest in the EdTech space are on the rise, with numerous startups and investors exploring innovative educational solutions. Events like Innovation Africa in Kigali showcase the growing potential of technology in education and the emergence of scalable solutions to address educational challenges across Africa. The scalability of technology allows for rapid access to even the most remote areas, facilitating the dissemination of educational resources. Data analytics in digital education platforms provide valuable insights into student engagement and project efficacy, enabling funders to measure the impact of their investments. Overall, the use of technology in education is a game-changer, paving the way for inclusive and accessible learning opportunities for all in Africa.