VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has emerged as the EU leader in youth digital skills, with 96% of 16- to 24-year-olds proficient in the field—well above the European average of nearly 70%. The findings were published in the European Commission’s Digital Decade report.
Kenneth Brincat, CEO of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), said the result highlights the country’s strong position in equipping younger generations for the digital era. “Malta is in first place, with 96% of youths between 16 and 24 having digital skills. I think that is a very strong figure,” he said.
Despite these results, local businesses still face a shortage of skilled workers in the digital sector. To address this, the MDIA is targeting teenagers with training in artificial intelligence, robotics and coding. This summer, boot camps were held in collaboration with the University of Malta, while summer schools were run with MCAST. Around 120 students in Malta and 135 in Gozo are participating.
“There is clearly a strong appetite in Gozo for these initiatives. We want to inspire our children, to give them a taste of these technologies,” Brincat said. The MDIA is also assisting businesses with digitalisation. A new €5 million scheme is available for companies, SMEs and start-ups to upgrade their services. Brincat encouraged businesses to contact the MDIA for guidance on applications.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
