Free Access | 2024-04-12

STRENGTHENING EDUCATION AND LEARNING SYSTEMS TO DELIVER A 4IR-READY WORKFORCE: Uganda Case Study

Authors/Editors: Sarah Ssewanyana (PhD) ,  Madina M. Guloba (PhD) ,  Blessing Atwine

Abstract:

This study is part of a six-country project coordinated by the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) on Youth, Employment, and Skills (YES) in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Ethiopia, Niger, Rwanda, and Uganda. The study on Uganda’s case draws out implications for the future of work considering the fast-evolving digital innovations under the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). Overall, the project aims to obtain a clearer understanding of the youth (demographic), employment, and education/skills challenges in the selected countries and to learn about country initiatives to boost decent work, considering the rapidly evolving nature of work. The overall objective of this country case study was to examine how education and training systems in Uganda are adjusting to meet the evolving labour demand considering the rapidly evolving digital technologies and the changing nature of work. The study further explores youth employment and skills challenges and opportunities. More specifically, the study: i) Undertook an in-depth review of the structure and composition (demographic, education, and skills) of the workforce, ii) reviewed policies, regulations, and institutional arrangements aimed at boosting employment opportunities for youth and ways to implement innovative education and training initiatives iii) examined the impact of digital technologies on job creation and the nature of skills needed to create jobs and grow the economy iv) examined the effects of COVID-19 on the learning systems and labour markets and the harnessing of digital technologies in changing times.