📱 AI and Digital Skills #5
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 the AI & Digital space, Axia Africa launched scholarships for 5,000 women in tech fields like Data, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, database management, business intelligence, and cloud computing. LinkedIn data reveals that Indian businesses prioritize generative AI but struggle with a talent gap, with 54% of HR professionals noting half or fewer applicants qualify due to technical (61%) and soft skill (57%) deficiencies, especially in AI (34%) and software development (44%). Meanwhile, women’s job opportunities surged 48% in 2025, led by BFSI, manufacturing, and healthcare, with IT/software comprising 34% of roles. Notably, 53% of these IT jobs target candidates with 0-3 years of experience, signaling a focus on early-career talent.
A few significant upskilling/reskilling initiatives this week include Doballi and GetBundi offering free virtual assistant training to 10,000 Africans to address demand in customer service, social media, and bookkeeping. CPA Australia, Keypath, and AFR launched five micro-credential data and AI skills courses, each lasting 4-6 hours. PwC Thailand invests $266K from 2024-2028 to upskill staff through online learning, ensuring a future-ready workforce for the digital era.
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AI and Digital Labor Market Trends
🛠️ Axia Africa launched tech training scholarships for 5,000 women. The program focuses on Data Science, Cybersecurity, Product Management, Backend and Frontend Development, and Product Design. Participants will receive expert mentorship, career guidance, hands-on training, and internships to prepare for the global tech industry. This initiative aims to bridge the gender gap and promote digital inclusion in Africa’s growing tech sector.
💡 LinkedIn reports that Indian businesses prioritize generative AI, yet face a talent gap. Around 54% of HR professionals say half or fewer job applicants meet the required qualifications, with technical (61%) and soft skills (57%) being major gaps. Hard-to-find skills include software development (44%), AI (34%), and communication (33%). This shortage has led companies to adopt selective hiring, with over 54% considering only candidates meeting at least 80% of job qualifications.
🌐 India's job market is seeing a 48% rise in opportunities for women in 2025. BFSI, manufacturing, and healthcare drive this. Emerging tech roles and demand for freshers contribute to this growth, with 25% of jobs open to early-career professionals. Most opportunities are for those with 0-3 years (53%) and 4-6 years (32%) of experience. IT/software remains the leading sector, accounting for 34% of jobs for women, according to a report by Foundit.
Indian Professionals Demonstrate the Highest Concentration of AI Skills Worldwide
⬆️ India stands out with the highest AI skill penetration rate at 2.75. This indicates a significantly higher prevalence of AI skills among Indian professionals compared to the global average.
🤖 Countries like the United Arab Emirates show significantly lower rates (0.98). This suggests that the adoption and integration of AI skills vary considerably depending on the region, possibly reflecting differences in technological infrastructure, educational focus, or industry priorities.
📈 North America, Europe, and parts of Asia like Singapore and South Korea appear to have higher penetration rates compared to other regions. This might suggest that factors like regional economic development, technological infrastructure, and government policies could play a role in the adoption of AI skills.
Upskilling/Reskilling Intiatives
💻 Doballi and GetBundi partnered to provide free virtual assistant training for 10,000 Africans. This initiative addresses the growing demand for VAs in various fields, including customer service, social media management, bookkeeping, and more. Virtual assistants help businesses by handling administrative and operational tasks. The partnership aligns with Doballi’s goal of developing African talent through collaborations with organizations, educational institutions, and governments to meet market needs.
🦾 CPA Australia, Keypath, and AFR offer data and AI skills courses. Provided through the AFR Short Courses platform, the five micro-credentials focus on data interpretation, statistical analysis, and fostering data-driven cultures. Each course lasts four to six hours. This initiative aligns with CPA Australia’s goal of upskilling professionals and boosting business productivity. It follows CPA Australia's recent collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
⚛ PwC Thailand invests $266K to upskill staff, closing the digital gap. In collaboration with online learning platforms, the initiative focuses on developing a future-ready workforce. The CEO emphasized that digital upskilling is a key strategic priority, preparing employees to navigate emerging challenges and opportunities. The investment spans 2024-2028, ensuring employees are equipped for the digital transformation era.
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