By: Chané Fraser

Closing Africa’s Digital Skills Gap: The Role of GetBundi in Empowering Youth

As the global demand for digital skills continues to rise, Africa is struggling to keep up, facing a significant gap in digital literacy that could hinder economic growth. With the increasing need for skilled workers in fields like data analysis and artificial intelligence, bridging this gap has become crucial for Africa’s future.

The Digital Skills Shortage in Africa

In 2022, African countries scored low on the Digital Skills Gap Index, ranging between 1.8 and 5 , far below the global average. P.S. The Digital Skills Gap Index measures the difference between needed and available digital skills in the workforce using a scale from 1 to 10. Lower scores indicate a larger skills gap, while higher scores show better alignment. 

Only half of African countries include computer skills in school curricula, compared to 85% globally. By 2030, sub-Saharan Africa will face a shortage of 230 million digital skill jobs, making it essential for African youth to gain the necessary digital skills.

Factors Contributing to the Digital Divide - Key challenges contributing to the digital skills gap in Africa include:

1. Outdated Education Curricula: Many institutions lack modern digital content.
   
   

2. Lack of Skilled Teachers: The shortage of proficient digital educators impedes learning.
   
   

3. Limited Infrastructure: Schools often lack the resources for digital education.
   
   

4. Low Awareness: Many Africans are unaware of the importance of digital skills.
   
   

5. Limited Training Opportunities: Access to digital training, especially in rural areas, is scarce.

GetBundi’s Approach to Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

GetBundi, a government-approved educational platform, aims to address the shortage of skilled digital professionals across Africa. It focuses on providing high-quality STEM education to secondary school students and youth aged 18-35. GetBundi’s mission is to empower young Africans with the digital skills needed to compete globally.

Affordable and Accessible Learning

GetBundi claims to offer an affordable model, with students paying just $5 per month or $30 per year for access to STEM courses and community discussions. The platform also provides a comprehensive College of Technology program for $300 over 9 months, aligned with international standards.

Innovative and Inclusive Teaching Methods

To ensure accessibility, GetBundi is incorporating digital courses in multiple African languages, including pidgin English (Pidgin English is a simplified form of English mixed with elements of local languages, used to help people from different linguistic backgrounds communicate easily).  By 2026, GetBundi aims to offer 15 digital courses in 7 languages, with the goal of upskilling 10 million Africans under its "GetBundi Vision 2034."

Preparing Africa’s Youth for the Digital Future

GetBundi is committed to closing the digital skills gap in Africa by providing accessible education in digital technologies. Through partnerships and a deep understanding of the continent’s challenges, GetBundi is trying to help Africa’s youth become more competitive in the global digital economy.

⁎ Reference Article Link: https://aspyee.org/blog/digital-skills-education-africa-getbundi-approach