In a significant step towards addressing the pressing job gaps in Ghana’s digital economy and supporting the Government’s employment initiative, Mobex Africa recently convened preliminary discussions with key stakeholders, including the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Association of Ghana, and the Accra Digital Centre.
This collaborative dialogue aims to align efforts on the Government’s Digital Jobs Initiative and foster the provision of structured jobs to fill critical gaps in the industry, with a goal of creating 20,000 new jobs.
Contextual background
As the global economy continues to evolve, digital jobs have become paramount for driving growth and innovation.
In Ghana, the government’s Digital Jobs Initiative seeks to harness the potential of digital technologies to create sustainable and scalable employment opportunities.
However, the lack of a structured approach to job creation in this sector has resulted in significant skill gaps and underutilization of talent.
The discussions were held at the NCA’s offices, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders committed to enhancing the digital job landscape in Ghana.
Participants engaged in meaningful conversations aimed at identifying challenges and opportunities within the digital job market. With a shared goal of establishing a more integrated and efficient framework for job creation, the dialogue set the stage for actionable plans moving forward.
Key highlights of the discussions
During the event, representatives from Mobex Africa, the NCA, BPO Association of Ghana, and the Accra Digital Centre shared insights on the current state of the digital job market, highlighting several key points:
- Identifying skill gaps: Participants discussed the critical skill gaps existing in the workforce and emphasized the need for targeted training programs to equip individuals with the necessary skills for digital jobs.
- Creating structured job opportunities: The need for a structured approach to job creation was a central theme. Stakeholders agreed on the importance of developing a comprehensive framework that defines various digital job roles and pathways for career progression.
- Collaboration and partnerships: A strong emphasis was placed on the power of collaboration. By working together, stakeholders can leverage their strengths to create synergies that lead to greater employment opportunities for the youth.
- Policy support: Discussions also highlighted the importance of supportive policies from the government to facilitate the growth of digital jobs. Participants stressed the need for incentives and regulations that promote investment in training and development.
Voices from the stakeholders
Alain Gbeasor, the Chief Operations Director at Mobex Africa, voiced optimism about the discussions, stating, “These collaborations are crucial for aligning our resources and efforts to effectively tackle the job gaps in the digital sector.”
Salifu Suleman of the NCA reinforced the government’s commitment, saying, “The government is devoted to creating an enabling environment for digital job creation, and we will continue to support initiatives that align with this vision.”
Meanwhile, Philip Sabah of the Accra Digital Centre assured stakeholders of their commitment to enhancing and providing the necessary infrastructure needs. “We recognize the importance of a solid infrastructure to support digital jobs, and we are fully on board to make this happen,” he stated.
David Gowu, President of the BPO Association of Ghana, also shared his perspective, emphasizing that the association will provide the needed jobs once the capacity of the youth is created. “Our goal is to ensure that training and skills development go hand-in-hand with job creation. We are ready to step up when our youth are adequately trained,” he noted.
Adding to the momentum, George Quaye, Chief Executive of Mobex Africa, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at creating 20,000 jobs.
He described the partnership as essential to achieving the objectives of the Digital Jobs Initiative, stating, “This MOU reflects our commitment to not just filling jobs but to building a skilled workforce that can thrive in a digital economy.”
Moving forward
Following the discussions, participants expressed optimism about the potential of their collaborative efforts. Mobex Africa plans to take the insights gained from this dialogue and actively engage in developing strategic initiatives that will contribute to the successful implementation of the President’s Digital Jobs Initiative.
Conclusion
The preliminary discussions hosted by Mobex Africa mark a crucial step towards aligning efforts to bridge the existing job gaps in Ghana’s digital sector.
With a commitment to collaboration and a focus on structured job creation, the stakeholders involved are poised to make significant contributions to the country’s digital economy.
As Ghana continues to embrace digital transformation, these efforts will play an essential role in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for all, ultimately working towards the ambitious goal of creating 20,000 new jobs in the sector.
