Tech Transforms: Silicon Savannah Bridges Education Gap for SA’s Youth

The recent matric results may boast a 40.9 percent Bachelor’s pass rate, but a looming enigma shrouds the class of 2023 in disappointment and desperation. ALX, the tech-focused career accelerator, warns that inclusion, accessibility, and affordability are bottlenecking the potential of South Africa’s (SA) youth, stifling aspirations and throttling economic growth.

Traditionally seen as gateways to a promising future, tertiary education institutions now present a bitter paradox. Divesh Sooka, General Manager at ALX South Africa, describes them as “corridors where dreams are too often deferred” due to oversubscription. Reports reveal staggering application numbers, such as the University of Johannesburg facing 600,000 applications for 10,500 spaces. This crisis leaves countless aspiring minds stranded.

Unemployment and Economic Decline

With youth unemployment at 43.4%, according to QLFS Q3:2023, and 4.6 million unemployed youth in the country, a self-perpetuating cycle of unemployment and economic decline is evident. Students’ pursuit of higher education sometimes leads to qualifications mismatched with workplace demands, exacerbating the problem.

Amid this conundrum, the Silicon Savannah emerges as a transformative force. McKinsey projects a demand for over 9.4 million tech jobs by 2023, the World Economic Forum anticipates 69 million new jobs from emergent technologies, and a Korn Ferry report warns of 85 million unfilled jobs by 2030 due to skill shortages.

Tech Addressing the Global Talent Shortage

Africa’s youthful population, with an average age of 19, is poised to address the global technology talent shortage. ALX, having trained over 85,000 learners since 2021, takes a lead role in tech education. Partnering with The Mastercard Foundation, ALX offers fully sponsored access to cutting-edge tech programs, making education accessible and empowering youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

With a success rate of 85 percent of graduates finding employment within six months, ALX pioneers rapid transformation in tech education. The partnership with The Mastercard Foundation ensures eligible learners gain access to world-class tech programs. Available online or at ALX’s Tech Hubs, these programs require only a laptop and internet access, fostering agility and enabling young leaders in the age of digital transformation.

For more information, visit ALX Tech Programs