They therefore have a natural propensity to move into an information and networking economy. Even though the information revolution as such has not had a significant impact on Africa yet, the basis for at least some kind of revolution has been established. Governments in this region have largely failed youth, who are of necessity turning to the informal sector for basic succour. Internet connectivity is indeed the next magic step, the open sesame. Every young woman or man with access to the Internet has the unlimited powers of the information revolution at her or his fingertips.
Computer training is already one of the most popular segments of youth development programmes.
New alternatives to traditional work must be identified to create conditions for a better social order. Moreover new ICTs have opened up many new possibilities for alternative training and informal education, with the local focus on distance learning and the use of community telecentres. It is widely accepted that multiskilling is the best alternative to old forms of vocational training aimed at a rigidly defined career. Again a systemic and holistic approach is important, and the focus should not only be on entrepreneurship training in isolation. Economic development theory has for long focused on economic growth as being the single most important tool with which to create employment and alleviate poverty.