Embracing the Digital Era: National Digital and Future Skills Conference 2023

The National Digital and Future Skills Conference 2023 aims to address the digital skills gap in developing and underdeveloped countries. The event promotes collaboration among stakeholders to develop digital skills programs that empower individuals to participate effectively in the digital economy. The conference offers a unique opportunity for professionals from various sectors to learn from best practices and successes in other countries and drive the massification of digital skills development in South Africa.

What is the National Digital and Future Skills Conference 2023 about?

The National Digital and Future Skills Conference 2023 aims to promote the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy to address the digital skills gap in developing and underdeveloped countries. The conference serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among relevant stakeholders, pooling resources towards the common goal of mass digital skills development to empower individuals to participate effectively in the digital economy. The event also offers a unique opportunity for professionals from various sectors to learn from best practices and successes in other countries.

Paving the Way for Digital Transformation and Inclusive Growth

The rapid transition to a digital world presents significant challenges for developing and underdeveloped countries, as they struggle to acquire the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of digital technologies. This disparity restricts individuals from actively engaging in the burgeoning digital economy.

To address this issue and ensure that no one is left behind, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has partnered with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and The National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) to host the National Digital and Future Skills Conference 2023. The event is slated for October 26th-27th at the East London ICC, Eastern Cape, and carries the theme “Realising the Digital Economy and Scaling-Up Skills Development to Support Innovation and the Digital Revolution.”

The conference’s primary objective is to promote the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy, focusing on stakeholder collaboration to bridge the existing digital skills gap. It also aims to establish a framework for prioritizing vital digital and future skills while ensuring well-organized and integrated implementation across government and various sectors.

Fostering Collaboration for Mass Digital Skills Development

Significant investments are required for the successful deployment of digital skills, making collaboration among government agencies, organized business and labor, academia, scientific organizations, and civil society imperative. The conference serves as a platform to discuss solutions, assess the implementation of the 2022 conference resolutions held in Mhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and pool resources towards the common goal of mass digital skills development.

Key attendees at the conference will include the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele, the Deputy Minister, Mr. Philly Mapulane, and the executive leadership of the collaborating entities. The gathering of approximately 300 participants presents a unique opportunity for professionals from various sectors to access exclusive content, network with industry stakeholders, and engage in discussions about South Africa’s crucial digital transformation journey.

Bridging the Digital Divide and Empowering Individuals

The conference plays a critical role in addressing challenges faced by developing and underdeveloped countries, such as infrastructure limitations, restricted technology access, and insufficient skills training programs. It provides a space for dialogue, collaboration, and resource pooling among relevant stakeholders to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals to participate effectively in the digital economy.

The conference theme underscores the importance of scaling up skill development initiatives that support innovation and the digital revolution. By identifying and prioritizing critical digital and future skills, stakeholders can collaborate to create targeted programs that equip individuals with the necessary tools for success in the evolving digital landscape, ensuring South Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Learning from Best Practices and International Successes

In addition to discussing strategies and solutions, the conference offers attendees the opportunity to learn from best practices and successes in other countries. By examining the experiences of nations that have successfully developed their digital economies, participants can gain insights into effective approaches adaptable and implementable locally.

The National Digital and Future Skills Conference is a significant step forward in realizing the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy’s goals. By fostering a spirit of collaboration among various stakeholders, the event serves as a catalyst for change, driving the massification of digital skills development and ensuring that South Africa is prepared to face the challenges of the digital era head-on.

In conclusion, the 2023 National Digital and Future Skills Conference is more than just an event – it symbolizes progress, collaboration, and commitment to bridging the digital skills gap in South Africa. By fostering dialogue and resource pooling among stakeholders, the conference is poised to make a lasting impact on South Africa’s digital transformation journey, helping build a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous digital economy for all.

1. What is the National Digital and Future Skills Conference 2023 about?

The National Digital and Future Skills Conference 2023 aims to promote the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy to address the digital skills gap in developing and underdeveloped countries.

2. When and where will the conference take place?

The conference is scheduled for October 26th-27th at the East London ICC, Eastern Cape.

3. Who are the collaborating entities for the conference?

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has partnered with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and The National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) for the conference.

4. Who are the key attendees for the conference?

Key attendees will include the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele, the Deputy Minister, Mr. Philly Mapulane, and the executive leadership of the collaborating entities.

5. What is the primary objective of the conference?

The conference’s primary objective is to promote the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy, focusing on stakeholder collaboration to bridge the existing digital skills gap.

6. How can collaboration among stakeholders help in mass digital skills development?

Significant investments are required for the successful deployment of digital skills, making collaboration among government agencies, organized business and labor, academia, scientific organizations, and civil society imperative.

7. What is the conference theme?

The conference theme is “Realising the Digital Economy and Scaling-Up Skills Development to Support Innovation and the Digital Revolution.”

8. What is the significance of the conference for South Africa’s digital transformation journey?

The conference is a significant step forward in realizing the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy’s goals, driving the massification of digital skills development and ensuring that South Africa is prepared to face the challenges of the digital era head-on.