Just as the discovery of oil transformed nations and created countless opportunities, digital skills have become the new oil of the 21st century. Think about how your smartphone has changed everything in your daily life, from how you shop to how you connect with loved ones.

This same digital revolution is reshaping careers and creating opportunities that didn’t exist even five years ago. Today, someone sitting in Lagos, Nairobi, or Accra can work for companies in New York, London, or Singapore, all because they invested in learning digital skills. The beauty of this transformation is that unlike oil, digital skills are renewable, endless, and available to anyone willing to learn.

Thousands of Africans are discovering that digital skills are the bridge to better opportunities. It’s similar to how our grandparents moved from villages to cities for better opportunities. Today, digital skills are our vehicle to access the global marketplace. The difference now is this, you don’t have to leave your community to access these opportunities, you just need an internet connection and the willingness to learn.

The most exciting part about digital skills is how they compound, like interest in a savings account. When you start learning one digital skill, you’ll find it easier to pick up others. For example, learning web development might lead you to understand digital marketing, which could then open doors to e-commerce opportunities. Each skill you acquire adds to your professional “bank account,” making you more valuable in the global marketplace.

The current global shift to remote work has created an unprecedented opportunity for Africa. Companies worldwide are no longer just looking for talent in their backyard they’re looking for skilled individuals regardless of location. This is our moment to step up and claim our place in the digital economy. The barriers to entry have never been lower: many learning platforms offer free courses, flexible payment plans, and certificates recognized worldwide. You don’t need to have studied computer science in university or come from a wealthy background. All you need is dedication, consistency, and the courage to start, once you do make sure you finish it.

The time to begin is now. Every day you wait is a missed opportunity to be part of this digital revolution. Think of digital skills as seeds, the best time to plant them was yesterday, but the second-best time is today. Start small: dedicate one hour a day to learning a new digital skill. Be it coding, digital marketing, data analysis, or graphic design, AQskill got you covered. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. The digital economy doesn’t ask about your background, your age, or where you’re from, it only cares about what you can do. So, take that first step today.