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Digital Skills for Economic Empowerment: Closing the Youth Employment Gap.
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Youth Employment and Skills Development
Abstract
The rapid pace of digital transformation is reshaping labor markets worldwide, offering new opportunities while simultaneously widening the gap between skilled and unskilled workers. For many developing economies, the youth population represents both a significant challenge and an untapped resource, as high unemployment rates persist despite the growing demand for digitally competent workers. Digital skills have emerged as a cornerstone for fostering economic empowerment, enhancing employability, and driving entrepreneurship among young people. By equipping youth with relevant competencies such as digital literacy, coding, data analysis, and online business management, nations can better position their workforce to thrive in the evolving digital economy. This empowerment extends beyond formal employment, enabling youth to leverage digital platforms for self-employment, innovation, and participation in the global marketplace. Furthermore, bridging the digital divide fosters inclusivity, reduces poverty, and enhances national productivity, while also aligning with global sustainable development goals. However, the persistent mismatch between educational outcomes and labor market requirements continues to hinder progress. Closing the youth employment gap requires not only skill acquisition but also strategic partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and the private sector to create enabling environments for digital engagement. Ultimately, digital skills development represents a transformative pathway toward sustainable economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Keywords
Digital Skills, Economic Empowerment, Youth Employment, Digital Economy, Inclusive Growth
How to cite this paper
@article{1710669,
author = {Omodolapo Eunice Ogunsola},
title = {Digital Skills for Economic Empowerment: Closing the Youth Employment Gap.},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2019},
volume = {2},
number = {7},
pages = {214-224},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1710669.pdf},
abstract = {The rapid pace of digital transformation is reshaping labor markets worldwide, offering new opportunities while simultaneously widening the gap between skilled and unskilled workers. For many developing economies, the youth population represents both a significant challenge and an untapped resource, as high unemployment rates persist despite the growing demand for digitally competent workers. Digital skills have emerged as a cornerstone for fostering economic empowerment, enhancing employability, and driving entrepreneurship among young people. By equipping youth with relevant competencies such as digital literacy, coding, data analysis, and online business management, nations can better position their workforce to thrive in the evolving digital economy. This empowerment extends beyond formal employment, enabling youth to leverage digital platforms for self-employment, innovation, and participation in the global marketplace. Furthermore, bridging the digital divide fosters inclusivity, reduces poverty, and enhances national productivity, while also aligning with global sustainable development goals. However, the persistent mismatch between educational outcomes and labor market requirements continues to hinder progress. Closing the youth employment gap requires not only skill acquisition but also strategic partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and the private sector to create enabling environments for digital engagement. Ultimately, digital skills development represents a transformative pathway toward sustainable economic empowerment and inclusive growth.},
keywords = {Digital Skills, Economic Empowerment, Youth Employment, Digital Economy, Inclusive Growth},
month = {January},
}