THE FUTURE OF WORK: 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

  • In Uganda, Uber was launched in 2016 with over 16,000 drivers. That alone shows a huge effort towards improving the transport. Uber has created over 60,000 opportunities not only to drive but also do deliveries, which a new aspect that the Company is looking at. The COVID19 Pandemic has made this adjustment much more needed 
  • The nature of work is going to change. Informal work is the norm in Africa in particular. All changes should not ignore three important pillars
  1. Flexibility in work - Employers should enable employees to work in hours and bits when they are most productive and not the ordinary 8-5 arrangements. Emphasis should be put on output
  2. Social Protection - Aspects of employment should include the protection for both the formal and informal employees. The NSSF Amendment Bill currently before Parliament provides for voluntary savings targeting those in the ‘gig’ economy. This is a step in the right direction
  3. Growth - Employers and Government ought to pay keen attention to the opportunities provided for their employees. Growth in the right skills and direction ensures that the Fourth Industrial Revolution does not leave the employees in awe but finds them ready and adaptive
  • The future of work is actually now and no longer in the future
  • Studies have shown that 70% of the skills need to be readjusted for both hard and soft. We all need to know where we belong so as not to be swept away by the revolution. Existing gaps in skills need to be filled in a timely manner
  • The Government is training teachers for the future, facilitating curriculum makeover all to ensure that the young Ugandans are ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution to change the future. This also includes promoting lifelong learning and assisting those that want to shift from one skill set to another done in partnership with the institutions of higher learning
  • The Government set up the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology to ensure that focus is put on preparing Ugandans across all levels for this technology revolution. The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has a Task-force on the Fourth Industrial Revolution recently put out a call to potential innovators for responses that can aid the fight against COVID19. This is in the line of supporting innovation
  • There are many steps that have been taken by the government that include opportunity identification, readiness assessment, equipping schools and the public with the necessary infrastructure and training to over 1000 SMEs on embracing the digital era. This is done in partnership with the UCC and the Private Sector
  • Governments need to be fluid and flexible to adjust to new normal in regards to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Rigid regulatory environments hinder even the basic growth. Private sector players should take on working with Governments on setting the required policies and reforming existing ones
  • Government needs to lead Artificial intelligence, ICT readiness and uptake within an enabling policy and regulatory environment that ensures private sector and all other stakeholders’participation
  • There is a need for a wider discussion on tax issues e.g. double taxation that hinder the Fourth Industrial Revolution Progress
  • The legal framework is still stuck in the traditional employment terms under the realm of contracts. Various bills and proposals are now under debate to have a few of these adjusted. These need to be fast tracked if proper results are to be harnessed. The future of work is definitely going to ensure more straightforwardness in terms of contracts even for the gig workers. Work life balance will also be key!
  • To leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Government needs to map the real opportunities that exist, in-depth. E.g Fintech, Agritech, Health-tech etc. There's a need to know who plays what role across this ecosystem and separate noise from action. The agriculture sector for example will be based on GMOs, Biotechnology, Processing and Value Addition, Drones in Gardens among other things. The Government and Private Sector need to work hand in hand on this to ensure readiness and success across many fronts
  • The youthful agile and nimble population needs to be transitioned with relevant skills to equip them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
  • The fear of loss of jobs should not curtail development as the changes will offer new opportunities for employability in the long run, following adaptation

   Conclusion:

  • The Fourth Industrial Revolution is an opportunity for unprecedented economic growth and needs to be harnessed. Re-invention and innovation must take center stage. Future of work is now