数字技能、创新与经济转型：撒哈拉以南非洲的机遇与挑战（英）

No. 15 | June 2025No. 15 | June 2025 Digital Skills, Innovation,and Economic Transformation:Opportunities and Challengesfor Sub-Saharan AfricaDigital Skills, Innovation, Jamil Salmi, Alice Amegah, and Aarya Rajendra Shinde © 2025 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NWWashington DC 20433Telephone: 202-473-1000Email: AskEd@worldbank.orgInternet: www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, andconclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of ExecutiveDirectors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work anddoes not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability withrespect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. Theboundaries, colors, denominations, links/footnotes and other information shown in this work do not imply anyjudgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement oracceptance of such boundaries. The citation of works authored by others does not mean the World Bank endorsesthe views expressed by those authors or the content of their works. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privilegesand immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Please cite the work as follows: Salmi, J., A. Amegah, and A. R. Shinde. 2025.Digital Skills, Innovation, andEconomic Transformation: Opportunities and Challenges for Sub-Saharan Africa.Education Working Paper SeriesNo. 15. Washington, DC: World Bank Group. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of itsknowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as fullattribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications,The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail:pubrights@worldbank.org. Digital Skills, Innovation, and Economic Transformation:Opportunities and Challenges for Sub-Saharan Africa Jamil Salmi, Alice Amegah, and Aarya Rajendra Shinde Abstract This study explores the link between digital skills, innovation, and economic transformation in thecontext of Africa, focusing on the role and potential contribution of higher education institutions in thedevelopment of advanced skills for the digital transition. It documents relevant global case studies fromAsia, Australia, Europe, and North America that showcase good examples of investment in skillsdevelopment through higher education and their impact on innovation and economic growth. The studyinvestigates the evolving global demand for digital skills and explores how advanced digital skills cancreate new economic development opportunities for Africa and help solve the big challenges faced bythe subcontinent, such as food security, health threats, learning poverty, and climate change. It takesstock of existing capacities for digital skills training in Sub-Saharan Africa and proposes a bold vision forimproving and expanding digital skills education programs. Keywords: digital transition; advanced skills development; innovation; economic growth; digital skillstraining. Contents Contents....................................................................................................................................................... ivAcknowledgments...................................................................................................................................... viiiAbbreviations ............................................................................................................................................... ixSummary ....................................................................................................................................................... xIntroduction .............................................................................................................................................. xSkills and Research in the Knowledge Economy: International Lessons .................................................. xNew Prospects and Challenges for Skills in a Changing World ............................................................... xiiSeizing Digital Transition Opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa ..............................................................xivThe Way Forward....................................................................................................................................xviMain Messages ..............