ASSESSING THE ROLE OF DIGITAL SKILLS IN ENHANCING YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR OF CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Proficiency in computer skills is essential in the current landscape, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic that transpired in recent years. Everyday activities including attending school, working, shopping, and even going to the theatre or movies must be shifted to a more remote level. Additionally, skills have become a crucial element in today's contemporary societies, economies, educational systems, and companies. This era has been commonly known as the digital age, and it is distinguished by the significance of a knowledge-based economy, information revolution, and digital society (Ashcroft et al., 2018). 

In the era of globalisation, digital skills are becoming more widespread and are considered essential for securing professional job worldwide. Matton (2018) predicts that in emerging regions like Cameroon, the acquisition of digital skills will partially alleviate poverty and improve the employment rate. It may also serve as a foundational step towards obtaining higher-paying jobs.  It is crucial to ascertain the correlation between employment and digital skills. There is a significant correlation between skills and qualifications and employment, and there is ample data to indicate that skills and qualifications have an influence on both job performance and salary. Moreover, the overall literacy level of the population significantly influences the extent to which digital skills affect an individual's employability. The government has implemented several projects to reduce illiteracy rates and enhance essential skills, so ensuring individuals possess the basic competencies for life. Nevertheless, these programs generally have a brief duration. For instance, the program known as "Skills for Life" was initiated in England in 2001 and was designed to be a long-term program. The main objective of the program was to enhance the foundational skills of persons in order to increase the employment rate. Moreover, to have success in electronic communication and tools, one must possess digital abilities. These abilities equip individuals with the essential tools to succeed in the modern day, enhance organisational efficiency, and enable citizens to be more accountable members of society. The role of digital skills in the academic realm of teaching and learning has been evidenced by several diverse trends in the discipline. E-world is the most consequential outcome that has transpired. The use of electronic equipment and facilities is currently focused on their application in many economic areas, leading to the creation of knowledgeable persons and institutions. Cameroon's financial institutions have progressively embraced digital platforms for providing services, such as mobile banking, internet transactions, and digital customer care channels (Ndongmo, 2021). These modifications necessitate a labour force that is not just acquainted with conventional financial methodologies but also skilled in digital tools and technologies. Regrettably, a significant number of youths searching for employment are deficient in the essential competencies needed to fulfil these expectations, resulting in a disparity between their skill set and the labour market's prerequisites. However, the existence of this skills gap has led to elevated levels of unemployment among young people and has impeded their capacity to obtain jobs in the financial industry (Tchamyou, 2019). 

Nevertheless, individuals who possess extensive knowledge and proficiency in using e-services are awarded full permission and enjoy various benefits such as educational progression, professional development, elevated social standing, and other factors contributing to a fulfilling and prosperous existence (Bennett,  2018). In order to establish a more precise understanding of the correlation between digital skills and employability, as well as the specific digital skills and proficiency levels that contribute to higher youth employment rates, this research primarily aims to assess the role of digital skills in enhancing youth employability in the financial sector of Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

Cameroon's financial sector has experienced a significant movement towards digitalisation, propelled by developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs). The youth, who constitute a significant proportion of the country's labour force, face both prospects and difficulties as a result of this shift. Nevertheless, despite the potential advantages of digitalisation, there exists a notable disparity in the digital competencies possessed by young individuals, thereby impacting their capacity to find employment in this industry.

The issue of insufficient digital skills among young people is especially worrisome considering the changing requirements of the financial sector. Furthermore, the absence of digital proficiency among young people worsens the already present socioeconomic disparities in Cameroon. Access to high-quality education and training opportunities in digital skills is frequently restricted, especially in rural areas and among marginalised people (Fongwa, 2020). Consequently, a significant number of young individuals are unable to obtain the necessary skills required to effectively participate in the rapidly expanding digital labour market. This circumstance not only restricts their opportunities for employment but also sustains a pattern of poverty and exclusion, as they are incapable of obtaining lucrative positions that could enhance their socioeconomic standing.

Despite attempts to integrate ICT education into the curriculum, these projects have frequently been inadequate and inconsistently executed (Ngang, 2018). Numerous educational institutions suffer from a deficiency in infrastructure, resources, and qualified staff to adequately provide digital skills training, resulting in graduates who are inadequately equipped for the requirements of the contemporary workforce. Therefore, it is crucial to implement specific measures to improve the digital skills of young people, which will in turn increase their chances of finding employment in the financial industry and contribute to the overall economic growth of the nation. Hence, it is in the light of these, the study seeks to assess the role of digital skills in enhancing youth employability in the financial sector of Cameroon.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the role of digital skills in enhancing youth employability in the financial sector of Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Investigate the digital skills training programs available to youths seeking employment in the financial sector of Cameroon.

Assess the impact of digital skills on the employability and career advancement of youths in the financial sector.

Evaluate the challenges faced by youths in acquiring and applying digital skills in the financial sector.

Propose strategies for integrating digital skills training into youth employment programs in Cameroon’s financial sector.

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

Are there digital skills training programs available to youths seeking employment in the financial sector of Cameroon?

What are the impact of digital skills on the employability and career advancement of youths in the financial sector?

What challenges do youths face in acquiring and applying digital skills in the financial sector?

What are the strategies for integrating digital skills training into youth employment programs in Cameroon’s financial sector?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Digital skills do not significantly enhance youth employability in the financial sector of Cameroon.

Ha: Digital skills significantly enhance youth employability in the financial sector of Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds critical importance for the youth population in Cameroon, particularly those seeking employment in the financial sector. As digital skills become increasingly essential in modern workplaces, young people equipped with these skills are better positioned to secure jobs, advance their careers, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. However, the findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the specific skills young job seekers need to develop to remain competitive in the labor market.The research is also crucial for educational institutions and training providers in Cameroon. As these institutions will tailor their curricula and training programs to better prepare students for the job market. This alignment ensures that graduates possess the relevant skills that employers are looking for, thereby bridging the gap between education and employment.Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the role of digital skills in enhancing youth employability in the financial sector of Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the role of digital skills in enhancing youth employability in the financial sector of Cameroon. Empirically, the study will investigate the digital skills training programs available to youths seeking employment in the financial sector, assess the impact of digital skills on the employability and career advancement of youths in the financial sector, determine the digital competencies most in demand by employers in the financial sector, evaluate the challenges faced by youths in acquiring and applying digital skills in the financial sector and propose strategies for integrating digital skills training into youth employment programs in financial sector.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to youths in Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Youth Employability: The ability of young people to secure and maintain employment, particularly in the job market.

Youth: a period of transition from childhood dependence to adulthood independence. 

Employment: The state of having a paid job or occupation, where an individual works for an employer in exchange for wages or a salary.