Article Preview
TopIntroduction
In recent times, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become significant for human and organizational development globally. Digital technology knowledge and creativity have the potential to provide decent job opportunities for youths, improve economic growth and provide sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience in any country (Ogbonna et al., 2022). Therefore, youths need to have ICT skills training to prepare them for future work endeavors (Ogbonna et al., 2023). The prospects work opportunities in the industry, entrepreneurial leadership, and small business strategy using ICTs (Al-Heneiti & Irtaimeh, 2021). Also, knowledge sharing and receiving information is vital for youths to adopt (Al-Heneiti & Irtaimeh, 2021). Especially as ICTs and information systems (ISs) both promote technology management to enhance economic growth in developing and developed countries (Yeo, 2022). Hence, many underserved communities face challenges that indirectly affect the youths living within these communities (Alao & Brink, 2020). These challenges include ineffective knowledge sharing, lack of ICT skills, insufficient funding for the complexity of ownership protocols, loss or misappropriation of digitized indigenous knowledge, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of resources (Mkumbo, 2017). ICTs provide easy digitization of indigenous knowledge, provide easy access to information, retrieval, and sharing of information on employment opportunities to a broad geographical location using digital technologies such as mobile phones, computers, and the Internet (Mkumbo, 2017).
ICTs facilitate societal development, especially when technical aspects are incorporated. It promotes not only societal but also organizational development, which is essential for human development (Mkrttchian et al., 2020). So, the emergence of ICTs for development is a socio-technical phenomenon (Mkrttchian et al. 2020). Furthermore, ICTs allow the use of electronic technologies and techniques to manage information and knowledge, and information handling tools used to produce, store, process, distribute, and exchange information (Hilty & Hercheui, 2010). Technology is the key driver of enhanced personal development, and it provides information and knowledge with potential networks and easy engagement (Hilty & Hercheui, 2010). The importance of technology aims to transform a country’s economy. However, the goal of transforming the activities of a country lies in the country’s adaptability to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), (eTransform Africa, 2012). This adaptability lies in a country’s grassroots and foundation of access to ICT, as well as the capacity of youth trained in ICT skills (Ogbonna et al., 2023).