"Information and communications technology is a pre-condition for socio-economic development and national competitiveness. However, a shortage of key skills is a huge constraint," says Sandra Burmeister, CEO of Landelahni Amrop
Opportunities abound throughout Africa, despite the challenges of poor infrastructure, disparate regulatory environments and ferocious competition. Spending on ICT infrastructure is expected to total more than US$23 billion a year over the next few years. South Africa and the rest of the continent need to skill up to maximise this opportunity.
"Science and technology minister Naledi Pandor has acknowledged that the telecommunications industry holds promise as the backbone of this country's economic, industrial and innovative advancement. Similarly, the Green Paper for Post School Education and Training released in January states that 'ICT is increasingly becoming a critical ingredient for participation in a globalised world'.
"Seen in this light, it is disturbing that the skills shortage has persisted and the number of new graduates entering the workforce hasn't increased over the past few years. We are rushing into the digital economy at an extraordinary rate, without putting the necessary back-end in place."
In the 2011 ITWeb-JCSE Skills Survey, 66% of companies across a range of industries reported that the ICT skills shortage was having a major effect on their business. Some 34% said that vacancies had increased and it had become harder to recruit staff.
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Quelle/Source: AllAfrica, 27.03.2012
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