Exploring African skills 4.0 required for 4IR industry: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Abstract In the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0), the adequacy of training models for industrial needs is being challenged. Africa is a skills hub, threatened by unemployment among young people, especially graduates, competition, and the sustainability of industrial fabrics. By carrying out a systematic literature review, this article aims to highlight the aspects and outcomes of the educational revolution that must accompany IR 4.0. The results show that IR 4.0 offers new careers, and that training is a key barrier to the successful digital transformation of the industry. University 4.0 is the conversion needed to overcome this barrier. This article explains this new academic model generating skills, which refers to the ability to perform activities effectively with high technical, digital, and flexible management capacities. Faced with the low adoption of IR 4.0, and the lack of a systematic literature review, this article offers a significant platform for the research community, both academic and industrial.