Young people have been encouraged to build strong digital competencies, adopt lifelong learning habits, and prioritise cybersecurity awareness as essential tools for success in an increasingly technology-driven labour market.
Human Resource Specialist, Madam Pearl Ama Akordor, made the call at a Youth Leadership Summit in Ho, where she outlined how rapid advances in technology are transforming employment patterns worldwide and reshaping the skills employers now demand.
The summit, organised by IRMAD Development and Social Network (IDSNet) in partnership with the CAYEP Leadership Institute (CAYELI) in Liberia, was held on the theme: “Igniting Vision, Driving Change: The Role of the Youth.”
Madam Akordor explained that automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation are not only displacing some traditional jobs but also creating new career pathways that require specialised technical and analytical skills.
She noted that remote work has become a defining feature of modern employment, allowing greater flexibility and productivity, while the expanding gig economy continues to offer young people alternative income opportunities outside conventional employment structures.
According to her, emerging sectors such as technology, healthcare, green energy, and manufacturing are expected to generate significant job opportunities in the coming years, making it critical for young people to align their skills with these evolving industries.
She emphasised that future employability will depend less on traditional qualifications alone and more on adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital literacy.
Madam Akordor encouraged young people to explore growing fields such as software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, digital marketing, content creation, design, and healthcare innovation, describing them as key drivers of future employment.
She further urged continuous upskilling through professional training, certifications, mentorship, and networking, stressing that learning must be ongoing in a rapidly changing work environment.
“The future of work places greater emphasis on adaptability, skills acquisition and lifelong learning rather than traditional job titles alone,” she said.
At the same event, Chief Executive Officer of Beanix Institute of Technology Africa and Executive Director of Genius IT Foundation, Mr Desmond Kitsi, drew attention to the rising importance of cybersecurity in the digital age.
He explained that cybersecurity involves protecting digital systems, devices, and sensitive data from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, identity theft, and online fraud.
Mr Kitsi warned that cyber risks are becoming more sophisticated with the rise of artificial intelligence, including deepfakes, AI-driven phishing attacks, and voice manipulation scams.
He cautioned that cyber incidents such as data breaches can result in financial losses, reputational harm, legal challenges, and disruptions to business operations.
To mitigate these risks, he advised the public to adopt basic cyber hygiene practices, including the use of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, secure internet connections, and routine data backups.
Mr Kitsi also stressed the need for caution when sharing personal information online, urging users to be alert to suspicious emails, links, and unsolicited offers.
“Cybersecurity is not only the responsibility of technology experts; every individual has a role to play in protecting personal information and ensuring a safe digital environment,” he said.
The summit concluded with a strong call for young people to embrace innovation, strengthen digital skills, and position themselves strategically to take advantage of opportunities in the evolving global economy.
