Coursera, a leading company in online education sector, has released its Global Skills Report 2024, providing a comprehensive analysis of global skill trends based on data from millions of learners on its platform. The report assesses proficiency in business, technology, and data science skills, benchmarking these levels across various regions, and countries.
Key findings reveal significant variations in skill proficiency, with emerging trends such as the growing importance of AI, machine learning, and data analytics. The report shows proficiency in AI skills has increased by 30% globally, while machine learning skills have seen a 25% rise. The report also shows the increasing demand for digital skills, with 65% of new job postings requiring some level of digital proficiency, and emphasizes the need for continuous learning.
It serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, educators, and employers, offering actionable insights to shape educational policies, design relevant curricula, and tailor training programs to bridge skill gaps. The ultimate goal is to build a skilled and adaptable global workforce prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
At the regional level in Sub-Saharan Africa, 13 countries made it to the ranking, showcasing their progress in digital proficiency. Based on the global report, here are the top ten countries excelling in digital skills in 2024, according to their performance in business, technology, and data science:
1. Botswana
Botswana leads the region, ranking 66th globally, with impressive scores in business skills (72%), technology (37%), and data science (23%). The country's strategic focus on technology education and investment in digital infrastructure has propelled it to the top of the list in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Rwanda
Rwanda, ranking 71st globally, follows closely with strong performance in business skills (64%) and data science (28%), though it shows room for growth in technology (24%). The country's progressive ICT policies and emphasis on tech innovation have fostered a robust digital skill set among its population.
3. Cameroon
Cameroon ranks 74th globally and has made substantial strides in technology (38%) and business skills (48%), with notable progress in data science (21%). Government initiatives to integrate ICT into education have been pivotal in achieving this growth.
4. Zambia
Zambia is ranked 88th globally, demonstrating balanced progress across the three skill areas with business skills (14%), technology (16%), and data science (24%). Continued efforts in educational initiatives are supporting this steady improvement.
5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia ranks 92nd globally, showing significant potential with technology skills (20%) and data science (22%), while business skills (12%) still need enhancement. The country's investment in ICT infrastructure is driving this upward trend.
6. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, ranking 97th globally, displays balanced growth in business skills (13%), technology (18%), and data science (11%). The nation’s strong emphasis on technology is contributing to its overall digital skills development.
7. Kenya
Kenya, known for its thriving Silicon Savannah, ranks 98th globally, excelling particularly in business skills (17%), though it shows areas for improvement in technology (9%) and data science (12%). The vibrant tech startup ecosystem supports ongoing digital skills advancement.
8. Cote d'Ivoire
Cote d'Ivoire ranks 99th globally, demonstrating potential in business skills (20%), with technology (8%) and data science (6%) needing more focus. The country’s progress highlights the growing importance of digital education and training.
9. South Africa
South Africa, at the 100th global rank, has strengths in business (10%), technology (11%), and data science (13%). As one of Africa’s most developed economies, it continues to work on enhancing its digital skills ranking further.
10. Uganda
Uganda completes the top ten, ranking 102nd globally, with notable progress in business skills (18%) and areas to develop in technology (7%) and data science (5%). The country’s initiatives to improve internet access and digital education are driving these improvements.
Other three Sub-Saharan African countries featured in the Global Skills Proficiency ranking for 2024 include Ghana, which ranks 104th globally and 11th in the region, Nigeria ranks 12th in Africa and occupies the 105th position on the global table, while Somalia is 13th on the regional table and 107th globally.
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