Will 100,000 African public workers be left behind in the digital age?

In Nairobi, Kenya, a new initiative aimed at enhancing digital capabilities among public servants was launched in collaboration between the United Nations, Microsoft, and the country's Ministry of Information. This program, called the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub and Africa Centre for Competence for AI and Digital Skilling, targets the training of approximately 100,000 government employees in digital skills and artificial intelligence. U.N. Development Program Regional Director Ahunna Eziakonwa highlighted that improved digital skills are crucial for advancing technological progress in Africa, and these advancements could lead to more efficient public service delivery. Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the importance of digital transformation in government operations, noting that over 20,000 government services are now accessible online. He pointed out that this transformation not only streamlines public service delivery but also enhances transparency, reducing opportunities for corruption and improving the mobilization of public revenue. This move towards digitization is designed to change how citizens interact with government services, making access easier and more efficient. Despite the positive impacts of digital services, the transition is not without challenges. Governance experts have indicated that power and internet outages in some regions of Africa create difficulties for government employees, forcing them to revert to traditional methods such as paper files. Issues relating to inadequate computer skills among some public workers and online glitches have also slowed down processes. Michael Niyitegeka, a tech expert from Uganda, stressed that leadership commitment and robust investment in technology are vital to ensure that workers can effectively engage with new systems. Experts believe that, if correctly developed and invested in, digital technology and artificial intelligence can significantly transform communities. They advocate for comprehensive training and a systematic approach, allowing governments to integrate these technologies seamlessly. This initiative represents a critical step toward digital transformation within Africa's public sectors, with the potential to reshape how citizens experience and access government services., creating a more competent and transparent administration overall.