Job opportunities in the digital economy have been rapidly increasing over the years even before the coronavirus epidemic. However, in the midst of the present global health crisis, now more than ever working online has become indispensable.
With such a driving force behind these digital adaptations, demand for both employees and entrepreneurs with the skills and expertise required by digitally-changed businesses and sectors has expanded dramatically. This growth has also seen a rise in new ways of doing business (e-commerce) and a change in how direct marketing looks (influencer marketing). Digify Africa has been at the forefront of this digital migration. We have created different platforms to upskill young people using inclusive and accessible digital tools to ensure their careers and ability to sustain their livelihoods are bolstered.
In addition to in-person training, our innovation team has created solutions that have allowed South Africans to access online learning at the tip of their fingers via the popular messaging app, WhatsApp. Platforms such as our WhatsApp learning bots have been among the few that are currently preparing young people for careers in the digital economy. To learn more about Digify Africa’s Whatsapp learning bot, Lesedi, follow the link below.
The rapid growth of the African digital economy has forced the world to reimagine the reskilling revolution currently underway, a by-product of digitalization. New technologies have generated a blossoming digital economy, which has given rise to new types of digital occupations such as business process outsourcing and digital “gig” jobs. We sat down with the Chief Partnership Offer from Youth Employment Services, Farai Mubaiwa to talk about how recruitment has changed in the digital era. Listen here:
With the emergence of online platforms, new possibilities of digital entrepreneurship have come to light. Although limited, these entrepreneurial prospects are expected to grow more inclusive over time. Our Boost With Facebook program powered by Meta has acted as a social media training launchpad for small business owners interested in refining their digital skills to elevate their businesses online. Our podcast episode on digital entrepreneurship unpacks this with Brand Marketing and Strategic Communications Specialist Irene Okoye. Listen here:
As the need for digital workers grows, so do the prospects for working professionals, and the correct skills may lead to rewarding, successful, and interesting career paths. The top 3 careers many young people and working professionals are interested in include:
Head of Digital
Skills required: Digital marketing, strategy and planning, UX, analytics, SEO, PPC, social media, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
This role emphasizes the digital space in terms of planning, strategy, and execution.
As digital presence grows prominent in today’s environment, digital leadership is crucial. This role focuses on developing and executing a brand’s digital strategy, as well as expanding market share.
Interactive Marketing Manager
Skills required: Social media, analytics, digital marketing, strategy, planning, copywriting
Interactive digital marketing initiatives, as well as short-term advertising tactics, are developed, implemented, and overseen by the marketing manager. This position necessitates the ability to raise brand recognition, drive traffic to the company’s website, and generate sales leads.
UX Specialist
Skills required: Coding, UX, visual communication, interaction design, and analytics
UX professionals and designers are responsible for all elements of product development, including design, usability, function, branding, and marketing. Their job encompasses the complete end-to-end journey of a user’s contact with a product, as well as the identification of the new product and business prospects.
These are among the many dynamic jobs that are available in the digital space. Computer programming and application development, data analytics, and information security are also sought-after abilities by the youth on the continent. Mentorship and coaching can also help further the youth’s economic opportunities.
Even when possibilities exist, the road to effective digital economy involvement for Africans is not without obstacles. For this reason, each of us can play a vital role in preparing Africa for the doors that digital technology opens.
