Dr. Laila Macharia Delivers Keynote Speech at the 17th eLearning Africa Conference in Kigali

Dr. Laila Macharia Delivers Keynote Speech at the 17th eLearning Africa Conference in Kigali

The rapid advancement of technology is transforming the world of work. African governments, private sectors, academics, and entrepreneurs are collaborating to create a roadmap for navigating the workplace of the future. In Kigali, hundreds of innovators and educators shaping the future of digital learning across Africa gathered at the 17th eLearning Conference, where Dr. Laila Macharia delivered a keynote speech. In attendance, were over 15 ministers of education from all across Africa and over 30 ministries represented including:

  • Hon. Claudette Irere, Minister of State for Education, Rwanda
  • Hon. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda
  • Hon. Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, Minister of Education, Malawi
  • Lina Rujweka, Head of ICT, on behalf of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Tanzania
  • Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small & Medium Enterprises Development, Zimbabwe

A truly pan-African event, this conference and exhibition explored technology-assisted learning, skills development, and training. AIA-N partners with digital stakeholders in Africa to equip young people for the changing job market. The eLearning Conference provided an excellent platform for generating ideas on nurturing a skilled workforce and preparing African youth for the future of work.

Education Fuels Innovation, Investment Amplifies Skills

Like her father, Prof. David Macharia, who pioneered adult education across Africa, Dr. Laila Macharia is a staunch advocate for the education and future of Africa’s youth. She serves as the Chairman of the Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI), an innovative career accelerator where creatives and techies receive training, mentorship, and a platform to turn their passion into a profession. Since 2011, ADMI has equipped over 3,500 youth with the practical and soft skills required to succeed in the global economy.

ADMI was established to address the skills gap in the market. Feedback from employers indicated that young people lacked digital and practical skills. Additionally, there was a provincial mindset, with individuals often focused on tribal or national identity rather than adopting the global perspective necessary for today’s workforce.

Employers also highlighted the need for psychosocial support, soft skills training, and mental health and well-being. In response, ADMI developed a comprehensive program that addresses these needs through its Learn-and-Work model, where students engage in both learning and practical work from day one. This innovative Learn-and-Work model is proving successful, with over 90% of students employed within six months of graduation and over 70% securing jobs by graduation. This is a significant improvement compared to the average five-year timeline for employment among young people in Africa.

As the Founding Director of Aspen Initiative Africa in Nairobi, Dr. Macharia spearheads initiatives that provide Africa’s most influential leaders with the space and tools for genuine introspection, leading to leadership actions grounded in purpose and clarity. Aspen Initiative Africa’s programs cover a wide range of critical issues across 5 catalytic sectors: Youth & The Future of Work, Africa’s Voice in Climate, Society, Culture & Identity, Democracy & Governance as well as Business, Innovation & Economy.

Insights from Dr. Laila Macharia’s Keynote Address

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, a growing sense of insecurity is palpable. According to the World Economic Forum automation will displace 85 million jobs worldwide while 97 million new roles will emerge adapted to this dynamic by 2025. 50% of workers will need reskilling. Employers are not just looking for technical skills; they are focused on reliability, analytical problem-solving, and perseverance. Beyond technical proficiency, employers are primarily concerned about the mindset and soft skills of potential hires. “Digital DNA”—a blend of self-awareness, resilience, a cosmopolitan outlook, and learning agility—are critical.

As the workplace continues to evolve, modular education, which emphasizes adaptability and continuous learning, will be essential to keeping pace with constant changes. And while investment in digital skills is necessary, the focus must primarily be on soft skills. The responsibility to address the talent gap falls on the current leaders and educators. They must decide whether to allow African talent to stagnate or to innovate and overcome this challenge.

The outlook is mixed, with both good and bad news. The good news is that numerous innovations are underway to tackle the significant bottleneck and potential displacement in the workforce. These innovations offer hope that, with the right focus and investment, the talent crunch can be alleviated, paving the way for a more secure and adaptable workforce.

As Africa transitions, it must ensure that it prepares its youth not only for current jobs but also for the unpredictable challenges of the future. This requires cultivating a mindset that embraces both digital and soft skills, enabling individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The Bottleneck

To tackle its most pressing challenges, Africa must navigate through numerous bottlenecks that impede scalability. Africa’s collective mindset poses a primary obstacle—marked by suspicion, resistance to change, and a self-imposed sense of scarcity. Sectors like education and policy often grapple with ideological stances rather than pragmatic, results-oriented approaches. This ideological rigidity stands in the way of effective solutions.

Universities, for instance, uphold traditional notions of quality. Does a university need a standalone library full of books or sprawling grounds across 100 acres to be considered credible? Is a PhD the sole measure of educational prowess, or should the focus shift towards efficient, effective teaching methods? The misconception persists that quality education must inevitably come at a high cost.

Additionally, biases against private sector involvement persist within public institutions, hindering potential progress. Despite the potential for rapid advancement through public-private partnerships in catalytic sectors, concerns about profit-making overshadow collaborative efforts.

Another critical concern is the need for significant investment in enhancing the digital competence of education and public sector leaders. Leaders cannot effectively impart skills they do not possess themselves. Without a strong digital DNA—marked by innovative learning and daily adaptation—it becomes challenging to instill these qualities in educators and students alike. To bridge this gap, leaders must embrace ongoing learning and digital innovation. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, they can equip themselves and their teams with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Africa’s Vibrant Leap Forward

Africa must transition from a supply-driven to a demand-driven education system. Addressing complex issues requires more than technical solutions; it involves adaptive leadership and change management. This means understanding that change brings winners and losers, necessitating thoughtful preparation and support for those affected. Adaptive leadership skills are crucial for recognizing opportune moments and navigating challenges effectively in dynamic environments.

Progress not Perfection

Progress often involves incremental steps. While aiming for perfection, the focus should be on consistently moving forward, even if the initial efforts are imperfect. Driving meaningful outcomes requires prioritizing measurable progress towards educational goals, rather than fixating on immediate perfection. Placing children’s needs above political considerations is critical for effective policy-making and implementation. Moreover, investing in leaders who embody a robust digital DNA is paramount. Leaders must possess the necessary skills they aim to impart, ensuring their ability to effectively guide educational advancements in the modern digital age.

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