Leveraging Technology to Create Employment

Technology is changing the way we live and work. While some worry about jobs being replaced by machines, technology is also a powerful tool for creating new jobs and expanding opportunities. This is especially true here in Tanzania, where digital advancements are opening up new pathways for employment.

How Technology Creates New Jobs

It is not just about direct tech jobs. Technology creates employment in several ways:

1. New Industries and Roles:

Think about jobs that did not exist 10 or 20 years ago. Social media managers, drone operators, cloud computing specialists, and AI engineers are all examples of roles born from technological innovation. As technology advances, entirely new industries emerge, bringing with them a demand for specialized skills and new types of work.

2. Boosting Existing Sectors:

Technology helps traditional industries grow and create more jobs.

• Agriculture: Apps for weather forecasts, market prices, and soil analysis help farmers improve yields and connect to buyers. This can lead to more jobs in agricultural technology, logistics, and processing.
• Retail: E-commerce platforms allow small businesses to sell products beyond their local area, creating jobs in online sales, digital marketing, and delivery.
• Finance: Mobile money services (like M-Pesa and Tigo Pesa in Tanzania) have created a huge network of agents, developers, and customer support roles, making financial services accessible to more people.

3. Enhancing Productivity and Demand:

When technology makes things cheaper or faster to produce, it can lead to increased demand for those products or services. This increased demand often requires more human workers, even if individual tasks are automated. For example, a more efficient factory might produce more goods, needing more people for sales, distribution, and customer service.

4. Enabling Remote Work and the Gig Economy:

Technology allows people to work from anywhere. This has opened up the “gig economy,” where people can offer services like freelance writing, web development, or virtual assistance to clients globally. This is a huge opportunity for individuals to find flexible work and earn income, even across borders.

5. Improving Access to Markets and Information:

Digital platforms connect buyers and sellers, making it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to reach a wider audience. This expanded market access can lead to business growth and, in turn, job creation. Online learning platforms also make it easier for people to gain new skills needed for these emerging jobs.

Technology and Employment in Tanzania

In Tanzania, the digital transformation is already having a clear impact:

• Mobile Money Ecosystem: The widespread use of mobile money has created thousands of jobs for agents, customer service representatives, and developers of financial technology solutions.
• E-commerce Growth: Online shops and digital payment systems are generating opportunities in logistics, digital marketing, and customer support roles.
• Digital Skills Demand: As more businesses go digital, there is a rising need for people with skills in coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. This creates opportunities for training and education providers too.
• Innovation Hubs: The growth of innovation hubs and tech startups in cities like Dar es Salaam is directly creating jobs for young, skilled Tanzanians in software development, product design, and IT support.

The Skills You Need

To take advantage of these opportunities, focus on developing digital skills. These include:

• Digital Literacy: Being comfortable with computers, the internet, and common software.
• Data Analysis: Understanding how to interpret and use data.
• Programming: Learning languages like Python or JavaScript.
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Knowing how to protect digital information.
• Adaptability: Being ready to learn new tools and technologies as they emerge.

Technology is not just about automation; it is a powerful engine for new opportunities. By embracing digital skills and understanding how technology reshapes the job market, you can position yourself for a successful career in the growing digital economy.