From simple internet browsing and emailing to specialised programming and development, digital skills are widely defined as the skills required to “use digital devices, communication apps, and networks to obtain and manage information.” In a future where people can work from anywhere, these abilities let people communicate and cooperate, create and share digital information, and solve problems. There are a thousand and one digital skills that are efficient for today’s economy; before I go into the main content of this article, I’d list a few examples of digital skills below:

1) Digital business analysis

2) Digital marketing and content creation

3) Digital design and data visualisation

4) Digital product management

5) Data science

6) User experience design

7) Computer literacy

8) Data entry

9) Web-based communications and research

10) Programming, web, and app development

Digital skills are required to embrace the shift that comes with a modernised economy; they are essential for securing more lucrative and in-demand tech jobs. In reality, those abilities are critical to a company’s survival. As seen by the widespread use of digital-first activities such as working remotely, online commerce, and virtual collaboration, digital skills have never been more important to business and the workforce.

While this development has numerous advantages, such as increased worker flexibility and the removal of location as a barrier to employing fresh talent, it has also resulted in the worsening of an already significant skills gap. Digital abilities improve in tandem with technological advancements. Learning new digital skills can be a scary task. Not only is it difficult to know where to begin, but the educational wealth gap has been a barrier for many who lack the financial means to pursue a four-year degree. Furthermore, it is critical to acknowledge that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution.

To ensure business continuity and build resilience to future emergencies, businesses and governments must digitise their operations and coordinate their efforts. There are a couple of reasons why the importance of digital skills in today’s economy cannot be overemphasised.

• A digitally proficient person can play a significant part in the development of a nation’s economy because people earn money in dollars, which helps to stabilise a country’s local currency and enhance its assets.
• Workplaces with digital capabilities are more open and easier to navigate. Many jobs may now be done from home or on the go.
• Organizations can ensure that their workforces remain productive thanks to the rapid growth of virtual working platforms. This pattern has the ability to lower operating costs while also pointing to the future workforce.
• Many, if not all, areas of the economy are benefiting from technological advancements. Consumers can buy necessities using e-commerce sites like Jumia, Kilimall, Konga, and LIB Delivery, which use their current technology-enabled logistical networks.
• More than a billion kids are now stranded at home because schools are closed, and about three out of four students have had their learning processes disrupted as a result of the pandemic. For home-bound pupils, governments and school districts have utilised e-learning tools. Kenyan, Egyptian, and Nigerian educational systems, for example, now use cloud services, radio, television, and social media platforms to make materials and programs more accessible.
• The development of digital skills is a critical component of developing resilience to economic and social shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• It’s already being recognised in Africa, where digital skills can be used to mitigate the danger of unemployment. This fact has prompted African youth to concentrate on obtaining these abilities, which are offered on globally accessible virtual learning platforms such as the African Development Bank’s Coding for Employment platform. The African Development Bank’s flagship digital skills program provides African youth with high-demand ICT skills. It exposes them to opportunities in the technology industry to develop solutions and create new products to solve everyday challenges.
• One of the most significant advantages of digital transformation is increased productivity. It’s possible that this is attributable to a more motivated and skilled workforce. However, it’s also conceivable that firms will become more efficient as a result of the good usage of digital technology. Employees are more likely to be efficient if they understand how to use these technical tools (and all of their features). And efficiency implies that your team accomplishes more in less time and with minimal resources.
• While the rapid and tumultuous advancement of technology may frighten even the most forward-thinking businesses, it’s crucial to realise that employees are also affected. Many employees are concerned that chatbots, online self-service, and automation may eliminate their jobs. As a result, they’re on the lookout for ways to improve their technical skills.
• While we all know that our world has become a global village, we must learn how to use digital tools if we want to connect with the modern world. For example, suppose an industrialist wants to reach customers in other areas or countries around the world. In that case, he must create a website and social media page to spread foreknowledge about his product or services and attract customers. Through this, an industrialist can become aware of the needs of users who live in other countries.

CONCLUSION

Digital skills training and development for employees and everyone involved in the expansion of the economy is critical to surviving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is how you can make sure you’re at the forefront of digital transformation innovation. If you’re a business owner, giving your employees regular opportunities to acquire and develop new technical skills is critical.

LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Udemy, and other online learning platforms provide access to in-demand talents. The growth of these platforms is allowing more individuals to obtain specific skills whenever they want/ need them and allowing people all over the world to access talents that can lead to greater economic prospects. With the continuous trend toward a work-from-anywhere, digital-first world, it’s critical for businesses to provide upskilling and reskilling assistance.

 

 

To speak with any of our counsellors at Light House Counselling, call or WhatsApp +2348055507808.

We provide 5 different types of Counseling ranging from Marriage and Family Counselling, Educational Counselling, Rehabilitation Counselling, Mental Health Counselling, and Substance Abuse Counselling.

We have professionals and we provide affordable services.