Abstract: The digital economy is transforming labor markets worldwide, creating new opportunities while disrupting existing jobs. This shift poses particular challenges for developing countries struggling with youth unemployment. Ghana is rapidly digitizing its economy while facing significant youth underemployment issues. However, little empirical research examines how Ghana's digital transformation impacts young people's livelihoods. This mixed-methods study aimed to address this gap by investigating the relationship between the digital economy and youth employment in Ghana.
A survey of 350 Ghanaian youth and in-depth interviews with stakeholders explored how digital skills and literacy, and infrastructure access related to employment Status (outcomes). Regression and mediation analyses revealed that digital skills and infrastructure access positively influenced job status, with skills indirectly improving status via infrastructure. The findings provide insights into opportunities and barriers youth face in Ghana's digital economy.
The study contributes novel empirical evidence on this under researched topic. It enhances understanding of dynamics between technology, employment, and youth development in Ghana specifically. The implications suggest the need for holistic interventions to equip youth with digital and business skills, improve infrastructure access equitably, and address socioeconomic barriers limiting disadvantaged groups' participation. This research informs evidence-based policies harnessing digital innovations for inclusive and sustainable youth livelihoods in Ghana and other developing contexts.
Keywords: Digital Economy, Youth Employment, Ghana, Digital Skills and Literacy, Employment Status, Access to Digital Infrastructure.
Title: Understanding the Influence of the Digital Economy on Youth Employment: Insights from the Ghanaian Context
Author: Sarah Akosua Ampong
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 12, Issue 2, April 2024 - June 2024
Page No: 145-158
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 22-May-2024
Amendment Date: 31-May-2024
