The Effect of Digitalization on Youth Mployment (Uganda)

Betty Nakazzi BK Kyaddondo, National Population Council, Uganda
Zoe Juliet Nabawanuka Tembo, National Population Council

Uganda is predominantly a young country. The youth population has the potential to accelerate the demographic dividend if effectively harnessed. The 2021/22 National Labor Force Survey indicated 41% of youth are neither in education, employment or receiving training. The employment to population ratio among youth is as low as 37.4%. Government recognizes ICT as an avenue to increase household incomes and offers an opportunity for youth to be more innovative in job creation. The study explored the extent to which digitization enhances youth employment in Uganda, the strategies to ensure accessibility and affordability of ICT services, as well as the facilitating and constraining factors. A desk review was conducted and secondary quantitative data from the National Labour Force Survey and the Digital DataRe Portal was analyzed. The results revealed that access to internet coverage, training, mentorships and hands-on skills development through ICT have boosted job creation and changed mindsets of youth on the current job opportunities.