"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.....", these are powerful words from a timeless novel by Charles Dickens, A tale of Two Cities (1859). These words in many ways reflect the times in which we live today, especially in the year 2020. We are in a season of The Great Reset , as reflected by the World Economic Forum, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In this "great reset" many once-great industries are fading away into a forgotten memory while new industries are being born! In all these rapid changes and disruption around us, technology is playing a major role.
So what is the promise of technology in this world of rapid change? In one word, it is opportunity! Technology in this very moment, is empowering new opportunities, new possibilities, catapulting start-ups from ideas to enterprises, and speeding up digital transformation like never before! Microsoft for example, has recognized that in a post COVID-19 world, digital skills will be at the center of thriving professions. Through a recently announced skills development initiative, Microsoft aims to help 25 million people acquire on demand digital skills that will help them to thrive in a post COVID-19 world.
At LGIT Smart Solutions, we understand the promise of technology! As a leading Microsoft Learning Partner in South Africa we have experienced the transformative power of technology in creating opportunities, developing careers and empowering peoples lives. Our recent partnership with Microsoft 4 Afrika to deliver Azure online VILT training to over 500 students based in Kenya and Nigeria via Microsoft Teams. Though skills development initiatives like these, a pipeline of tech professionals armed with in-demand tech skills like cloud engineering and software development are entering the job market and targeting future opportunities even in the middle of a global crisis!
A prevailing theme that has been amplified in this current global crisis, is the need for solidarity around the world. Solidarity, in simple terms means unity or standing together. A major way in which technology has empowered solidarity, is through giving previously disadvantaged people, an opportunity to experience life in a new way. An example of an organization that has done this in Africa is M-KOPA, one of the largest IoT companies on the continent. Through selling cheap pre-paid solar solutions built on next generation technologies like IoT, M-KOPA now powers over 750 000 off-the-grid households in villages and remote locations all over Kenya and is expanding to other countries. This is an example of a transformational promise of technology creating new realities for many people who otherwise would probably have never experienced this reality.
As the global crisis at the hands of the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, technology utilization built on a foundation of skills development, will ensure the futures of many organizations and individuals around the world. Need advice on the skills and training that you need to empower the future of your organization or career through technology? Contact us today!