The ‘Closing the Skills Gap Accelerator’ is one of several such accelerators launched in partnership with WEF’s Platform for Shaping the Future of the New Economy and Society. The accelerators are national level public-private leadership collaboration platforms that address national and industry skills gaps in the face of the massive technological disruption sweeping the globe. So far six countries have established their own: Argentina, India, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa and the UAE. Additionally, Brazil also announced their ‘Closing the Skills Gap Accelerator’ during the Annual Meeting. The goal is to expand the model to build a global network of 15 economies accelerating closing the skills gaps by 2020.
It is estimated that Bahrain will witness a workforce growth of 8,000 workers annually, with the burden of accommodating these entrants falling primarily on the private sector. Findings from a 2019 employer survey across eight main sectors – Healthcare, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Logistics, Oil & Gas, Renewables, ICT, and Startups – indicated a major gap in digital skills in the labour market. The new accelerator will bring together the Kingdom’s businesses, government, civil society, education institutes, and training providers under one roof to generate local skills gap insight, develop an action plan, and drive its execution.
Khalid Humaidan, Chief Executive, Bahrain EDB, said: “Digital transformation is happening at an unprecedented pace across the globe – and nowhere more so than in the Middle East, where ambitious reforms and diversification efforts have placed a renewed focus on the region. But as disruptive technologies change the way we work, live and interact, skills gaps are emerging which must be filled to prepare for the future. Bahrain benefits from a young and growing population, and by equipping the next generation with the right skills we can build truly sustainable development. WEF Davos 2020 presents the ideal forum for the public and private sectors to work in close collaboration as we seek to solve the challenges of tomorrow.”
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For more information, please contact:
Communications and Media Department
Economic Development Board
Phone: +973-17-589966
E-mail: internationalmedia@bahrainedb.com
About Bahrain Economic Development Board
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate.
The EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors, in order to ensure that Bahrain’s investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.
The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages and provide significant investment opportunities. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics and transport.
For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit www.bahrain.com.
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