World Bank Essay Contest for Sub-Saharan African Countries 2018

World Bank Essay Contest Invitation: Applications are currently ongoing for the World Bank #Blog4Dev Essay Contest for Sub-Saharan African Countries. Interested students can see the details and apply if eligible.

World Bank Essay Contest Details and FAQs

What will it take to enhance the skills needed to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital economy and the future of work?

Technological progress is constantly changing how we work, from automation to artificial intelligence. With these advancements, firms adopt of new ways of production, helping markets to expand, and societies to evolve.

While advances in technology can eliminate the need for some jobs, the World Development Report 2019 notes that it also paves the way for the creation of new jobs which will require a mix of skills – such as complex problem solving, teamwork and adaptability – to meet the increasing demand in the labor market. Skill building is particularly important in Sub-Saharan Africa, home to the world’s youngest population; every year for the next decade, as many as 11 million young people are expected to enter the labor market.

As noted by World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim in a recent blog, “…the pace of innovation is accelerating, and the jobs of the future – in a few months or a few years – will require specific, complex skills. Human capital will become an ever more valuable resource. In short, the changing nature of work—and how best to prepare people for the jobs of the future—are some of the toughest challenges countries face…”

So, we want to hear from you! In 500 words or less, tell us how you would solve this development challenge in your country: What will it take to enhance the skills needed to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital economy and the future of work?

This year, the World Bank wants to have your thoughts on Promoting Gender Equity and Ending Gender-Based Violence in Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan for a chance to win a Laptop or a Samsung Tablet.  

When is the application deadline?

30th November, 2018

Which countries are eligible for the contest?

Sub-Saharan African Countries

What is the category of this opportunity?

Contest

How do I know if I’m eligible for the contest?

To be eligible for the #Blog4Dev contest, candidate must:

• Be a citizen of any of the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Be between the ages of 18 and 28 years of age
• Currently reside in a Sub-Saharan African country

What are the selection criteria?

A panel of judges made up of World Bank staff will review the submissions to determine the winning entries.

The winning submissions will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Originality
• Innovation and Creativity
• Boldness
• Clarity in Writing and Presentation
• Convincing and Impactful
• Ideas Must be Implementable
• Scalability
• Practicality and Relevance
• Potential Impact on Development
• Potential Impact on Jobs

How many awards are available?

5

Value of Contest

Winning authors are eligible for several prizes, including a chance to intern at a World Bank Africa country office, or an opportunity to have your blog published on the World Bank Africa blog Nasikiliza.

How to Apply for the World Bank Essay Contest

Submit your 500-word, original blog detailing your ideas about what it will take to enhance the skills needed to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital economy and the future of work, written in English, French or Portuguese by November 30, 2018.

SUBMIT

Submissions through email or mail post are not acceptable

Contest Webpage