As we mark International Youth Day 2024, the spotlight is on the participation of young people in the digital economy to define the future. The theme for International Youth Day 2024, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlights the essential contributions of young people in leveraging digital technologies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the UN DESA (2024) report, the adoption and utilization of digital tools is vital in achieving 70% of the 169 SDG targets, emphasizing the need for youth led innovations and solutions to address global challenges. As we approach the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, the active participation of youth in the digital economy will be crucial in driving sustainable development and addressing disparities in access and utilization of digital solutions.
The future of work is digital, and it is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders including government, private sector, civil society and community gate keepers to facilitate this transition to enable young people access dignified and fulfilling work.
The digital economy is no longer a distant frontier; it’s here, and it’s profoundly reshaping how we work and live. The FinScope Uganda study 2023 findings, reveal that internet access is highest among the age group of 18 – 40 years, 18% females compared to 34% males, 17% in rural areas verses 48%. The study further revealed that 60 percent of the rural population was utilizing digital transfer services with the male standing out at 67 percent.
Youth engagement in the digital economy is a critical factor in shaping the future of sustainable development, particularly as digital solutions continue to transform global economies. The Finscope Uganda Findings Survey report 2023 also states that, as of 2022, approximately 75% of individuals aged 15 to 24 were using the internet, making them the most digitally connected demographic. This high rate of internet usage highlights the significant role young people play in adopting and driving digital innovations. However, challenges remain, particularly in developing economies with limited access to digital skills affecting adoption and utilization especially among young women.
At The Innovation Village, the Digital Economy Program is rooted in the belief to reach underserved communities that have for so long been digitally excluded. To be exact, the program hopes to reach 3.4 million individuals in underserved communities with the end goal to create 300,000 youth in work opportunities. Together with our partners, we are committed to driving digital inclusion for underserved communities. However, the reality of achieving the program objective to reach young people (60% women) aged 18 to 30, is still a far-cry in comparison, considering the statistics reality presented by the findings of CBFP (2024) report, From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.
Girls in underserved communities, face significant barriers to participating in the digital economy, including limited access to reliable internet, affordable devices, and digital literacy. Cultural norms and economic constraints further restrict their opportunities, while security concerns in some Ugandan regions, language barriers, and a lack of relevant skills has limited their access to formal employment, constituted by social and economic barriers, which have stifled their potential for far too long and discouraged their involvement.
Overcoming these challenges requires targeted efforts to improve infrastructure, provide digital skills training, and empower youth to engage fully in the digital economy. The digital Economy program offers a promising path to dignified work, building a future powered by technology and innovation.
But to fully realize this potential, we must address the current digital divide. Through its four pillars including the shared digital rails, partnerships, digital skilling, and thriving agent network, the Digital Economy Program is working to bridge this gap by collaborating with partners across all value chains to provide the necessary infrastructure, ensuring that young people, regardless of their location, can access digital tools and resources.
As technology and innovation continue to evolve, the key to unlocking the potential of our youth lies in our ability to bridge the digital divide. The future is theirs to shape, and by empowering them with tools and skills, we are investing in a brighter, more equitable future for us all. As we celebrate International Youth Day 2024, let us commit to making this future a reality—one where every young person can thrive in the digital age.
By Fredrick Mpaata
Program Manager, Digital Economy Program
Innovation Village
