A CRITICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AS A PANACEA FOR YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Information communication technology (ICT) has made significant contributions to our world since its inception and is now an integral part of our daily lives. Since the emergence of ICT, the globe has transformed into a global village, with every aspect of human life being impacted by it.  Information technology has attained such a level of influence that it now plays a substantial role in many aspects of human activities, including politics, social interactions, and the economy. Adebayo et al. (2018) argue in their study that information communication technology has effectively facilitated globalisation. Information communication technology encompasses a wide range of technologies that are utilised for communication as well as for the creation, storage, management, and distribution of information (Timi, 2019). Educational technology refers to the combination of human interactive materials and electronic equipment that enable users to engage in a diverse range of learning and teaching activities. The technologies encompassed in this list are computers, the Internet, broadcasting technologies (radio and television), and telephone.  Proponents of ICTs contend that ICT advancements enhance efficiency, enable access to novel markets and services, foster job creation, stimulate new endeavours, and consequently enhance employment (Simon et al., 2020).

The influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on employment has been considered a significant topic of discussion in both developed and developing nations. Proponents of ICTs contend that ICT advancements enhance efficiency, enable access to untapped markets and services, foster job prospects, stimulate new endeavours, and consequently enhance employment (Simon, 2020). Conversely, other scholars argue that the use of ICTs results in job displacement and a rise in unemployment rates (e.g. Kendricket al., 2021).

Over the past twenty years, African nations have experienced a significant information and communication technology (ICT) revolution, characterised by the widespread use of advanced technologies in several parts of daily life. According to the ITU World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators database from 2017, over 66% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) possess mobile phones, while around 16 out of every 100 individuals have internet connection. Indeed, the majority of African nations have witnessed a pervasive adoption of technological advancements and communication devices, including computers, mobile phones, and internet access. ICTs are anticipated to assist in resolving the economic challenges encountered by Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations, such as unpredictable economic expansion, price fluctuations, and specifically, the issue of youth unemployment (Brown et al., 2018). Undoubtedly, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face significant levels of youth unemployment, which is widely recognised as one of the foremost obstacles to development in the region. In 2019, the unemployment rate among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) was nearly 15%, which is roughly double the average rate of unemployment among adults in the region (ILO, 2021).

Prior to examining the influence of ICT penetration on youth unemployment in SSA, it is beneficial to emphasise the population and unemployment structure in the SSA region. Over the past forty years, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have experienced significant changes in their population dynamics, including population growth, fertility rate, migration, and age structure (Ebaidalla, 2018). All of these factors have had a substantial influence on labour markets and employment. According to recent numbers from the United Nations' World Population Prospects report in 2017, countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region experience elevated and enduring levels of unemployment. In 2018, the World Bank reported that over 27 million workers, which accounts for roughly 8 percent of the labour force in the SSA, were unemployed. The rate of unemployment among young people is also quite high, with an estimated figure of 14% in 2018 according to the World Bank (2019). The persistent issue of unemployment in the SSA countries may be the cause of the unfavourable economic performance, low development outcomes, and political instability. (Ebaidalla, 2018)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has gained global recognition in recent years as a very effective tool for generating a large number of job opportunities.  This can be achieved by effectively utilising different technologies integrated with ICT.  Harris (2021) argued that a nation cannot achieve economic growth if it continues to experience poverty, unemployment, and underemployment.  Nevertheless, those who possess strong knowledge and abilities in ICT tend to have higher career success, job attractiveness, and compensation levels. A study conducted by UNCTAD in 2017 revealed that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a significant influence on the generation of job and self-employment prospects.  The study posited that the influence can manifest either indirectly through multiplier effects or directly through the rise of industries that utilise information and communication technology (ICT) or the ICT sector itself. The study finds that while the implementation of ICT can result in job displacement due to automation of systems and tasks, individuals can also reap the benefits of increased employment options by learning ICT skills, especially in countries that promote ICT projects.

The study conducted by Sepehrdoust and Khodaee (2017) examined the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the employment rates of several nations within the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC).  The study employed an econometric panel data model to examine the correlation between information and communication technology (ICT) and the employment rate of nations belonging to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) from 2000 to 2010.  The study utilised the Constant Elasticity Substitution (CES) production function to examine the impact of technology adoption on the economies of OIC member countries. The results revealed significant structural changes in the economy due to the introduction of technology. Additionally, there was a positive and significant effect of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on employment rates. However, the effects varied between oil-based and non-oil economies.

 Cameroon's ICT sector has demonstrated significant potential for expansion, driven by the growing availability of internet access, mobile technology, and digital services. The growth of this industry offers a chance to utilise the abilities and innovation of young individuals, allowing them to engage in the digital economy (Tambe, 2019). ICT can act as a catalyst for generating employment opportunities by offering venues for digital entrepreneurship, freelance work, and online education. This can effectively contribute to the reduction of youth unemployment rates (Neba, 2020). Nevertheless, the capacity of ICT to tackle the issue of youth unemployment in Cameroon is not devoid of obstacles. Challenges such as restricted availability of affordable internet, insufficient infrastructure, and gaps in digital literacy continue to hinder the broad use of ICT (Mbah & Fon, 2018). Furthermore, it is imperative to implement policies and initiatives that promote the acquisition of ICT skills among young people, especially in rural regions where technological resources are frequently scarce. Although facing these obstacles, the deliberate promotion of ICT as a means for economic empowerment has the capacity to greatly diminish youth unemployment in Cameroon. However, the efficacy of ICT in attaining this objective relies on a thorough comprehension of its capabilities and the obstacles that must be surmounted. This study seeks to rigorously examine the possibility of ICT as a universal remedy for the issue of youth unemployment in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The issue of youth unemployment in Cameroon is an ongoing and escalating problem, which has substantial consequences for the nation's economic and social stability. Despite the endeavours of the government and other concerned parties to tackle this problem, the unemployment rates among young people persist at a significantly high level, with more than 30% of the youth population facing difficulties in securing substantial employment (Neba, 2020). This position is worsened by a swiftly expanding youth population, restricted job prospects in the formal sector, and a discrepancy between the skills imparted by the educational system and the requirements of the labour market (Eban, 2021).

ICT has become a valuable instrument for addressing young unemployment by generating new job prospects and promoting entrepreneurship. The worldwide growth of the digital economy has shown the capacity of information and communication technology (ICT) to create jobs, especially in areas like software development, digital marketing, e-commerce, and online education (Tambe, 2019). Cameroon's ICT sector has experienced significant expansion, primarily due to the growing availability of internet and mobile technology. Nevertheless, the degree to which ICT can adequately tackle youth unemployment in the Cameroonian setting is still uncertain. Various obstacles impede the extensive use and efficacy of ICT in mitigating youth unemployment in Cameroon, notwithstanding its potential. The obstacles encompass restricted availability of affordable and dependable internet services, insufficient digital infrastructure, and a notable deficiency in digital skills among young individuals (Mbah & Fon, 2018). Moreover, the unequal allocation of ICT resources between urban and rural areas worsens pre-existing disparities, resulting in a significant number of young individuals, especially those residing in rural regions, being unable to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy.

Furthermore, there is a lack of alignment between the skills imparted by the educational system and the requirements of the ICT industry. A significant number of young graduates in Cameroon have a strong theoretical foundation but are deficient in the practical competencies necessary to excel in the digital economy (Eban, 2021). The discrepancy between their talents and the requirements of the job market hinders their capacity to find employment and diminishes the overall efficacy of ICT as a means of addressing unemployment.

Notwithstanding these difficulties, the capacity of ICT to stimulate economic development and mitigate youth unemployment should not be disregarded. Nevertheless, if a thorough examination is not conducted to determine how ICT might be optimally utilised to provide long-lasting job prospects, attempts to encourage its implementation may be insufficient. A thorough examination of the obstacles to ICT adoption, the potential benefits it offers, and the necessary policies to optimise its influence on youth unemployment is necessary. This study aims to fill this void by conducting a thorough examination of the possibilities of ICT as a solution for young unemployment in Cameroon.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically investigate the potential of information and communication technology (ICT) as a panacea for youth unemployment in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the role of ICT in creating job opportunities for unemployed youth in Cameroon

To analyze the effect of ICT-based education and training programs in reducing youth unemployment

To identify the problems associated with the adoption of ICT as a catalyst to youth unemployment reduction in Cameroon

To provide recommendations to enhance the use of ICT in mitigating youth unemployment in Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the role of ICT in creating job opportunities for unemployed youth in Cameroon? 

What is the effect of ICT-based education and training programs in reducing youth unemployment in Cameroon?

What are the problems associated with the adoption of ICT as a catalyst to youth unemployment reduction in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: ICT does not play any significant role in reducing youth unemployment in Cameroon

Ha: ICT plays a significant role in reducing youth unemployment in Cameroon

1.6 Significance of the study

This study seeks to conduct a thorough examination of how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) might be used as a remedy for the issue of youth unemployment in Cameroon. The study aims to provide valuable insights that have the potential to stimulate economic, educational, and social advancement. The study will have substantial ramifications for diverse stakeholders, including politicians, Cameroonian youth, communities, students, and researchers. 

Cameroon is facing a significant problem of youth unemployment, which has adverse effects on both economic stability and growth. The study seeks to ascertain the potential of digital tools and technologies in generating employment possibilities, fostering economic activity, and promoting innovation by investigating the role of information and communication technology (ICT). This has the potential to result in policy suggestions that utilise information and communication technology (ICT) to promote economic growth.

Moreover, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has the capacity to revolutionise education and the development of skills. This study can offer valuable insights into the utilisation of ICT to augment vocational training, provide online courses, and boost accessibility to educational resources. This is essential for providing the next generation with the necessary skills for the contemporary labour market.

Moreover, the results will provide guidance for government and institutional strategies about investments in information and communication technology (ICT), development of infrastructure, and changes in education. Implementing impactful policy measures has the potential to strengthen the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in tackling unemployment and incorporating technology into national development objectives.

Furthermore, this study will facilitate additional investigations into several domains where information and communication technology (ICT) might influence young employment, including programs that provide training in digital skills, online platforms for job opportunities, and community initiatives powered by technology.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically investigate the potential of information and communication technology (ICT) as a panacea for youth unemployment in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will explore the role of ICT in creating job opportunities for unemployed youth in Cameroon, effect of ICT-based education and training programs in reducing youth unemployment in Cameroon, and the problems associated with the adoption of ICT as a catalyst to youth unemployment reduction in Cameroon 

Geographically, the study will be carried out in Bamenda, Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the analysis, the researchers noted the inherent constraints that are present in all human behaviors. The main limitation was the scarcity of extensive literature on the subject, resulting from a lack of data on a thorough examination of the potential of information and communication technology (ICT) as a solution for youth unemployment in Cameroon. As a result, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to carefully select appropriate materials, publications, or information and gather data. 

Furthermore, this study is constrained by its small sample size and confined geographical scope, predominantly focused on Cameroon. Therefore, the results derived from this study have limited relevance, emphasizing the need for additional research. 

Moreover, the researcher's constraints primarily stemmed from financial limitations, as they are a student with insufficient financial means to sustain themselves. The exorbitant transportation fees at the study site posed a challenge in meeting the financial obligations related to transportation expenses.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while concurrently fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Unemployment: Unemployment is a term referring to individuals who are employable and actively seeking a job but are unable to find a job. Included in this group are those people in the workforce who are working but do not have an appropriate job.

Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are unemployed. Consequently, measuring the unemployment rate requires identifying who is in the labor force. The labor force includes people who are either employed or unemployed.

ICT: Information and communication technologies (ICT) is defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to transmit, store, create, share or exchange information.

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