By 
By Abel Mavura
Child Online Africa and partners announced their commitment to the African Telecommunications Union and ICT day celebration with a statement calling for a comprehensive implementation of the e-skills framework with all stakeholders involved.
The fact that Africa needs to catch up with the rest of the world in the uptake of 4IR technologies such as AI, Big Data cannot be over emphases. Augmented Reality and Robotics are globally revolutionizing all economic sectors and increasing efficiency, productivity, and value. It is against this background ATU day was initiated to prepare Children, Young People and Adults alike for the future markets.
Now in its 44th year, ATU continues to build momentum and impact with the ultimate goal of providing all African business entities, government agencies, colleges and universities, non-formal associations, civil society organizations and individuals committed to this year’s ATU day theme of ‘Digital Skills Development for Africa’s Digital Transformation”.’ which encourages all these stakeholders to prioritize e-skills through the adoption of ATU’s e-skills framework.
“Africa cannot function effectively in the era of 4IR and other emerging technologies without e-skills. The absence of these skills will be a barrier to growth, employment, and social inclusion in Africa. Cybersecurity is an important skill for the success of all businesses and organizations. COA is proud to be associating with this call to emphasize the need for e-skills and encourage industry to be involved in curriculum design, mainstream e-skills development in education from Kindergarten right up in Africa, then put systems in place which will protect, prevent and activate proactive change in safeguarding the wellbeing of children and women when the need arises.” said Awo Aidam Amenyah, executive director, COA.
About ATU Day 2021
On 7th December 1977, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the 12th Session of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government established the Pan-African Telecommunications Union (PATU) as a specialized agency of the African Unity (now the African Union) in the field of telecommunications/ICTs. PATU would later change its name to the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) on 7th December 1999. Ever since 7th December, also known as ATU Day/African Telecoms/ICT Day has been set aside to commemorate the establishment of the Union. This year, ATU Day was celebrated under the theme, “Digital Skills Development for Africa’s Digital Transformation”. https://www.atuuat.africa/
About Child Online Africa
Child Online Africa (COA) is a child-focused research and advocacy non-governmental organization that campaigns for/with children and young people and their families to influence policies and change practices that affect child welfare in Ghana and across Africa. COA build partnerships with organizations and individuals to promote online safety by employing rights and evidence-based advocacy approaches to achieve sustainable outcomes. https://www.childonlineafrica.org/
