📱 AI and Digital Skills #23
HolonIQ is tracking reskilling and upskilling efforts to meet the rising demand for AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity skills. As these fields evolve, continuous learning is key to staying competitive and building a future-ready workforce.
This week in AI & Digital, Morocco is harnessing AI to transform workforce integration and SME support through government-led platforms offering real-time labor insights and vocational access. In Korea, Raonsecure will launch a blockchain-based digital ID system to certify AI talent, supporting the country’s $72.8B AI initiative and expanding to global markets via Qatar. Danone is upskilling 20,000 employees through its new Industry 5.0 Academy, teaching AI-driven automation and digital skills across global factories.
Upskilling initiatives in Africa, UpSkill Universe, HP, and Google are training 10,000 SMEs, of which half are women-led, in AI, digital marketing, and e-commerce in Nigeria and South Africa. Meanwhile, Great Learning is launching free GenAI courses nationwide from July 13 to 15 to celebrate World Youth Skills Day. Huawei has pledged to train 50,000 ICT professionals in South Africa by 2028, strengthening local AI, cloud, and 5G infrastructure while addressing a 500,000-person national tech skills gap.
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AI and Digital Labor Market Trends
🤖 Morocco Leverages AI to Revolutionize Workforce Integration and SME Development. Morocco’s government has launched a strategic partnership to harness AI for transforming workforce integration, job market analysis, and SME support. The agreement empowers ministries to deploy AI-driven platforms that enhance access to employment and vocational rehabilitation and provide real-time labor market insights.
🆔 Raonsecure to Build Blockchain-Based Digital ID for AI Talent Certification in Korea. Partnering with the Korea AI Association and Digital Certification Association, Raonsecure will deploy its OmniOne Digital ID and Badge to verify AI professionals’ skills securely via blockchain. This supports Korea’s $72.8B AI push by enabling trusted credentialing and talent matching. Raonsecure also plans to expand into Asia, North America, and the Middle East through a new partnership with Qatar.
🏭 Danone Launches Industry 5.0 Academy to Upskill 20,000 Staff by 2026. Danone’s new AI-focused Industry 5.0 Academy in Poland will train 20,000 factory employees across 183 global sites in advanced digital skills like AI-driven decision-making, automation, and digital twins. The company aims to pioneer human-machine collaboration, backed by ongoing AI integration and a 10-factory innovation network shaping the future of food production.
East Asia and the Pacific Account for >80% of Global AI Patent Grants
💡 In East Asia, China’s AI sector has experienced rapid expansion, driven by strong government backing and private investment, resulting in over 370,000 AI invention patents granted by the end of 2023.
🛠️ In North America, the US continues to be a major player in AI patenting, with companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon securing significant numbers of patents.
🔐 AI patenting is projected to keep rising, led by generative AI advancements and shaped by the growing emphasis on ethical and responsible AI development.
Upskilling/Reskilling Initiatives
🚀 UpSkill Universe, HP & Google to Train 10,000 African SMEs in AI and Digital Skills. “Skills for Business” is a transformative program to upskill 10,000 SMEs in Nigeria and South Africa. The initiative targets training in AI, digital marketing, and e-commerce, with 50% of spots reserved for women-led businesses. Designed to drive growth, jobs, and resilience, the program is now open for applications from eligible small businesses.
💻 Great Learning Launches Free GenAI Courses for Students and Professionals Nationwide. Great Learning has introduced "The Great Learning AI Challenge," a nationwide initiative offering over 30 free Generative AI courses from July 13 to 15. This virtual event, commemorating World Youth Skills Day, aims to equip students and early-career professionals with essential AI skills. Colleges are encouraged to promote participation, with top-performing institutions earning the title of 'AI Champion' and exclusive rewards.
🤖 Huawei Commits to Train 50,000 ICT Professionals in South Africa by 2028. At the 2025 Huawei South Africa Connect Event, Huawei pledged to train 50,000 ICT professionals by 2028 as part of its commitment to build South Africa’s AI-powered future. The company is investing in local cloud, 5G, and AI infrastructure, partnering with over 1,400 firms, and tackling a national 500,000-person tech skills gap.
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