CIO OPINION
The graduate unemployment rate in South Africa was 40.3 % for those aged 15 – 24 and 15.5 % for 25 – 34 years .
Johnson Idesoh , Chief Information and Technology Officer , Absa Group
Providing youth with tools , knowledge , skills
Johnson Idesoh , Chief Information and Technology Officer , Absa Group writes how the enterprise is working with other institutions to boost technology skills and reduce unemployment of youth .
South Africa needs urgent intervention to address the contradictory challenge of youth unemployment and critical skills gaps . Reports show that in South Africa , youth unemployment has been a longstanding issue which is projected to trend at around 59.6 % and 40.5 % for youth aged 15 – 24 years and 25 – 34 years respectively . This will increase economic exclusion and inequalities – marginalising the country ’ s next generation .
The knock-on effect on the loss of skills and productivity can lead to a lack of innovation and ultimately competitiveness in the economy , hindering its potential for growth and development . Skills development plays a crucial role in bridging this everwidening gap .
In parallel , the technology industry is seeing rapid advances in emerging technologies that are changing the nature of the jobs , and the skills needed to do them . This is another reason why equipping the youth with the full range of skills , knowledge and attitude is critical .
In his 2023 State of the Nation address , President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of working in partnership with businesses , to create opportunities for young people that will expose them to the world of work through internships , apprenticeships , mentorship , and entrepreneurship . A notion we at Absa fully align with because fundamental change is realised through active citizenry – by deliberately creating the future .
38 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com