Be TechConnected has announced the second edition of its flagship event, Future of Work 2.0, scheduled for March 21st and 22nd at the University of Ghana Business School.
This year’s theme, Academia and Industry: The Variance Between the Current University Curriculum and Industry Demands, aims to address the pressing issue of skill gaps between university graduates and industry expectations.
Speaking at a press soiree on March 8th, Akosua Osei, Project Lead at Be TechConnected, emphasized the need for urgent action.
“We are all aware of the ongoing issue where young people are not adequately prepared for the job market. They spend four years in school, but after graduating, it often feels like they need to be reschooled entirely to fit into the workforce,” she stated.
According to her, Be TechConnected focuses on bridging this gap through mentorship, personal development, and training, adding that the initiative will go a long way in reducing the exodus of students and young professionals abroad in search of better opportunities.
“One of our core aims is to bridge the knowledge and skills gap between academia and industry. Many young people aspire to move to the US, UK, or China for opportunities, but I believe that one can remain in their home country and still access global opportunities,” Akosua noted.
This year’s event promises a diverse range of activities, including keynote speeches from industry leaders, panel discussions, Microfuture Talks on emerging technological trends, an Innovation Stage, a hackathon with a $10,000 prize for Web3 developers, and a product showcase by sponsor companies.
Head of Marketing at ALX Ghana, Ama Sackey, highlighted the significance of equipping young Africans with future-ready skills.
“We are currently experiencing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by AI, augmented reality, IoT, and other technologies. Without proper training, Africa’s large youth population could face a crisis, but with the right skills, they can become a global economic asset,” she said.
Ama furthered that ALX Ghana has already facilitated access to international jobs for young professionals while they remain in Ghana, a model they aim to scale further.
For his part, Martin Kwame Awagah, President of the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association, reiterated the importance of integrating technology into university curricula. “Ghana is one of the leading forces in digital financial services in Africa, ranking 5th among 54 countries. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Work Report provides deep insights into what we are missing when it comes to integrating technology into our curriculum,” he stated.
Martin also revealed efforts to introduce fintech-related courses in Ghanaian universities and establish a technology committee within the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to enhance tech-focused education.
The inaugural edition of Future of Work in 2023 saw over 1,000 registrants, with more than 500 in-person attendees and virtual participants from the US, Kenya, and Nigeria. This year, organisers are introducing a livestream option to enhance virtual participation.
