NSIMBE SHAFIK: Digital Skills — The New Currency for Youth Success

What the report says

In an op-ed published by Watchdog Uganda, Nsimbe Shafik marked International Youth Day 2026 by arguing that digital skills are becoming essential for young people’s success. The commentary says youth around the world, despite different backgrounds and circumstances, share similar goals: building careers, creating solutions and contributing to their communities. Shafik frames digital literacy as a key pathway to education, jobs, entrepreneurship and broader participation in the digital economy.

The piece highlights a range of skills that are increasingly relevant, including coding, graphic design, digital marketing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and online communication. It also notes that digital tools are now shaping work in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing and public services, not just in information technology. According to the author, young people with these skills are better positioned to compete in today’s job market, launch businesses and adapt to changing work environments.

The article also points to persistent barriers, including weak internet access, limited training opportunities and a lack of devices, which continue to exclude many young people from the benefits of digital transformation. Shafik calls for cooperation among governments, schools, private companies, civil society and communities to close this gap. The Afro Arab Youth Council is presented as supporting youth empowerment through leadership and skills programmes. The overall message is that digital capability is no longer optional for youth development, but a growing requirement for inclusion and future opportunity.