Exploring Digital Skills Demand: Key Insights from Online Job Vacancies in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. Education Working Paper No. 21
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| Title: | Exploring Digital Skills Demand: Key Insights from Online Job Vacancies in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. Education Working Paper No. 21 |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Marjorie Chinen, Carlotta Montorsi, World Bank |
| Source: | World Bank. 2025. |
| Availability: | World Bank Publications. 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433. Tel: 202-458-4500; Fax: 202-552-1500; Web site: http://www.worldbank.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 66 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | MasterCard Foundation |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Numerical/Quantitative Data |
| Descriptors: | Digital Literacy, Employment Opportunities, Job Skills, Foreign Countries, Supply and Demand, Computer Literacy, Computer Science, Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Occupational Clusters, Occupations |
| Geographic Terms: | South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda |
| Abstract: | Technological change is transforming labor markets globally and across Africa, reshaping the demand for skills, particularly digital competencies. To remain relevant, education and training systems must adapt to evolving labor market needs, equipping learners with the skills required to enter and remain competitive in the workforce. This paper analyzes millions of online job vacancies from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda between 2020 and 2024 to assess the intensity and distribution of skill demand. Using a digital skills taxonomy, descriptive statistics, and cluster analysis, the study tracks trends over time and across occupations. Results show that nearly half of job postings in these countries require at least one digital skill, with gradual growth observed during the period. Basic digital skills, such as computer literacy, Microsoft office, and presentation tools appear in roughly one-third of postings, while advanced competencies, including computer science and data analysis feature in about 20 percent. Although still emerging, AI-related skills show early signs of growth. Cluster analysis reveals that digital skills are increasingly demanded across all occupational groups, regardless of their digital intensity, making them a core component of employability. Transversal skills such as communication and problem-solving are also consistently sought. These findings underscore the need for education and training systems to integrate digital and transversal skills with occupation-specific expertise to better prepare graduates for labor market demands and to build resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing digital economy. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED679812 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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