BSG Chairman, Mteto Nyati on turning SA to Africa’s digital powerhouse

South Africa is at a crucial juncture, grappling with high youth unemployment rates and a pressing need for digital skills across industries. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Mr. Mteto Nyati, Chairman of BSG, shed light on the challenges facing the country and the innovative solutions being implemented to address them. Nyati emphasized the urgent need to equip young people with digital skills to unlock their full potential in the workforce. The primary concern highlighted by Nyati is the substantial shortage of digital skills in South Africa. He underscored the importance of addressing this gap to propel the country forward in the digital age. With many young graduates currently unemployed, Nyati emphasized the need to connect these individuals with opportunities and provide them with the necessary experience to thrive in the workforce. To tackle these challenges head-on, Collective X has emerged as a transformative initiative. By bringing together key stakeholders, including funders, companies, and training providers, Collective X aims to prepare South Africa's youth for success in both the public and private sectors. Nyati stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the quality and effectiveness of skill-building programs. Addressing the immediate issue of youth unemployment is a top priority for Collective X. Nyati pointed out that while long-term educational reforms are essential, the focus must also be on providing immediate solutions to absorb young people into the workforce. By leveraging the collective efforts of industry players from various sectors, Collective X is working to bridge the skills gap and create employment opportunities for the youth. One of the key strategies employed by Collective X is to provide young people with hands-on training and relevant skills that align with industry needs. By partnering with major players in the tech industry such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, Collective X aims to scale up successful training programs and empower young individuals to take on roles that drive economic growth. Nyati expressed confidence in the energy and potential of South Africa's youth, emphasizing their eagerness to learn and contribute meaningfully to the workforce. Drawing from past successes in training unemployed youth, Nyati highlighted the immense impact that targeted skill development programs can have on individual career trajectories and overall industry growth. The core message resonating from Nyati's insights is the power of collaboration in unlocking the full potential of South Africa's youth in the digital era. By working together to address skill shortages and create pathways to employment, Collective X is paving the way for a brighter future for the country's young generation. As efforts continue to gain momentum, tracking the outcomes and measuring the success of these initiatives will be crucial in driving sustainable change and fostering a skilled workforce for the future. In conclusion, the journey towards transforming South Africa into a digital powerhouse is anchored in the collective commitment to bridge skill gaps, empower the youth, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. With initiatives like Collective X leading the way, the future looks promising for a generation of young South Africans poised to thrive in the dynamic digital landscape.