Youth, take advantage of investments in digital economy

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OPINION

By Kyetume Kasanga

The World Youth Forum brings together young people from around the globe to share experiences and address their challenges. In 1991, in Vienna, Austria, the Forum proposed to the World Conference of Ministers responsible for the Youth the idea of commemorating the International Youth Day annually.

Seven years later, the Ministers suggested the same to the UN General Assembly, which adopted it about a year after. The Day has been commemorated every August 12, since 2000, under varied themes. It highlights the importance of investing in youth skills, education and entrepreneurship to unlock their potential and drive sustainable development.

In Uganda this year, the Day is commemorated belatedly today under the theme: “Youth digital pathways for sustainable development”. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to preside over the national activities at the Masindi Golf Course in Masindi Municipality on Friday, September 19.

One of the defining debates in development economics revolves around the extent to which Government interventions galvanise inclusive development. The debate considers whether socio-economic progress is sufficiently widespread among the population, using the available resources.

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) are such resources whose use is fast becoming a factor for rapid economic growth, wealth creation and improving livelihoods. ICT is one of the fastest growing aspects in Uganda’s economy at an average of 20.5% per annum, contributing at least 2.4% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product per capita growth.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Census Report, 2024, the youth (aged 18-30 years) constitute 22% of the population. If empowered, they can expedite poverty eradication through awareness catalysis and promoting economic opportunities.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day commemoration sometime back, the UN World Food Programme Executive Director, David Beasley noted: “Digital technology can transform lives if we get it into the hands of the people who need it”.

The NRM Government recognises ICTs as a key driver of efficiency and effectiveness in production processes for socio-economic transformation. President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM Chairman, demonstrated this by creating a dedicated Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in 2006.

The Ministry is mandated to provide strategic and technical leadership, overall coordination, support and advocacy on all matters of policy, laws, regulations and strategy for ICT and National Guidance in the country. This is guided by Vision 2040, the National Development Plan and the NRM Manifesto.

ICT should target the youth to enhance their digital skills and boost economic opportunities for them. Such opportunities are available in tech-driven industries, business process outsourcing and entrepreneurship.

Fortunately, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, communication companies have stepped in to address the critical gap between digital skills training and job placement.

MTN Uganda, for instance, unveiled an online Skills Academy in Mukono two years ago to provide youth access to digital and financial skills training as a catalyst for job creation and increased employment opportunities.

As capabilities of the youth are recognised and investments in their future are made, the youths themselves should be active participants in the digital economy. E-learning, networking and staying updated on global network trends should be prioritised to foster innovation and encourage creativity.

It is also necessary for the youth to emphasise control over their own time, lives and bodies, and a generally conducive regulatory environment for all-round empowerment.

Such a development model should enable the youth to discover opportunities, participate in decision-making and share the benefits to mitigate poverty. It has been noted that poverty is not just lack of money but also entails not having enough food, quality education, accessible healthcare and decent shelter.

ICTs should, therefore, enable the youth to make more and better-informed decisions by sharing ideas, co‐creating solutions more quickly, communicating faster and more efficiently, and involving more people.

The writer is a farmer in Masindi district and retired Ag Assistant Commissioner for Information Monitoring/Secretary to the Media Council of Uganda. WhatsApp: 0781155022; X: @dkkasanga10; LinkedIn and Facebook: dkkasanga10