Did You Know events across Africa are focussing on Innovation?

Africa is innovating, but in many instances the world refuses to see it. I have many conversations with people that are very sceptical about African innovation. But, within the continent there is a feeling of enthusiasm towards innovation and optimism that innovation can improve the lives of individuals and the continent as a whole.

In these changing times, the Africa youth are potentially best placed to take advantage of the changing circumstances that new technologies are creating for the world we live in. I say potentially because, despite the optimism, Africa is still lacking important infrastructure. Measures are being taken by governments and private organisations to close the digital divide and enable the youth to take advantage of technology and innovation. One upcoming event that is approaching that very topic is the Quantum Leap Career Fair, which will be taking place on April 12th in Accra, Ghana. The event is part of a collaboration between Stars From All Nations (SFAN), who aim to enable the next generation of African Leaders, and iSpace, one of the leading technology hubs in Ghana. The theme of the event is ‘Technology and the Future of Work in Africa’.

A Mckinsey study suggests that when current  primary school students reach working age, 65% of the jobs will have been newly created and not existed today. Automations are making many jobs more efficient and there is more and more need for computer programmers as well as other positions. As well as being a careers fair, and preparing job seekers for work, SFAN and iSpace are seeking to highlight the importance of being prepared for these new job functions. If Africa can take the lead in these preparations, then it is possibly to close the gap to the rest of the world much more efficiently.  

By enlightening the youth of Ghana on where they should focus their efforts, and how they can best spend their time preparing for a new innovative job market, SFAN and iSpace are helping to create a workforce with new skills. Events like these are not just about those attending. This is a free event and will certainly get numbers through the door. Participants are likely to go away and share their learning with their peers. Awareness of African Innovation and the importance of empowering the youth to use new technology is increasingly important if Africa wants to continue to leapfrog and compete with the rest of the world. 

If you are in Ghana and are interested in find a job of the future, go along to the British Council on the 12th of April and find out more. (You may even see me there!) To register click here.

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