Microsoft: 800m people must learn new skills

 

Microsoft has said 800 million people will be required to learn new skills to fully execute their jobs by 2030, according to its research .

The Country Manager , Microsoft Nigeria , Akin Banuso , noted this at a roundtable hosted by the company in Lagos on Thursday.

He further stated that by 2025, digital job capacity would mean the creation of 149 million new jobs .

Banuso said COVID - 19 had dramatically accelerated the pace of digital transformation and as a result of this , digital skills were required immediately.

“ As the economy in Nigeria starts to slowly reopen for business , we anticipate the return to an economy with different needs and certainly one where a new challenge presents itself in terms of skills , ” he said .

The roundtable , which Microsoft said was developed to provide a continental answer to youth employment and skill promotion , brought together thought leaders and decision makers from the private sector, intergovernmental organisations, government agencies and academia.

The Microsoft Director of Corporate , External and Legal Affairs, MEA Emerging Markets , John Edokpolo , said with the new accelerated digital transformation, there was an anticipation of the rise of a ‘ hybrid economy’ .

He explained hybrid economy as ‘ one where employees would have an option of integrating back into the workplace , while others will choose to carry out their duties remotely’ .

“ Essentially , this environment is going to rely more increasingly on technology to skills optimisation , ” he said .

Banuso added that Microsoft was looking forward to continuing its sustained efforts in reaching and educating more customers and prospects around the tools and resources available.