The Impact of ICT in Youth Economic Empowerment and Job Creation in Zamfara West Senatorial District, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on youth economic empowerment and job creation in Zamfara West Senatorial District, Zamfara State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. Data were collected through closed ended questionnaire instrument and administered to 540 youths across the six local government areas in the senatorial district which 497 questionnaires were returned correctly. Simple random sampling technique was used. Descriptive statistical illustrators such as: tabulations, frequency distribution and percentage were used for statistical analysis. Findings from demographic analysis revealed that 83.7% of respondents were male, while 16.3% were female. Most respondents (42.05%) were aged 18-24 years, with 53.92% having primary or secondary education. Employment status indicated that 43.66% were entrepreneurs, 35.21% employed and 21.13% students. ICT knowledge levels showed that 43.86% had average knowledge, 36.02% fair knowledge, 15.89% perfect knowledge and only 4.23% had no knowledge of ICT. Perceptions on ICT's contribution to youth empowerment indicated overwhelming agreement, with 68.61% strongly agreeing that ICT provides business opportunities and 64.59% agreeing that it enhances creativity and knowledge. Job creation opportunities included mobile phone sales (71.43%), repairs (72.03%), graphic design and internet services (62.78%) and application development (33.6% strongly agree; 62.78% agree). Challenges included lack of electricity (56.94%), poor internet connectivity (26.56%) and lack of funding (6.44%). The study concludes that ICT significantly contributes to economic empowerment and job creation but requires interventions such as improved power supply, training and affordable ICT tools to maximize its benefits.