SEATTLE, Washington — Botswana, located in southern Africa, faces a high unemployment rate. The current unemployment rate in Botswana is more than 18% and the youth (ages 15 to 24) unemployment rate was above 37% in 2019. The employment process in Botswana continues to be difficult for both job seekers and employers. A startup program called Mohiri aims to make the employment process in Botswana more accessible by providing a service that connects the job applicant with the perfect employer. Since the unemployment rate is high and the job application process is tasking, there is a need to develop programs to improve youth and overall employment rates.
Unemployment in Botswana
The unemployment problem in Botswana is considered a systematic issue, where the unemployment rate reaches more than 33% when job seekers are included in the statistic. A factor for the high unemployment rate is due to Botswana inheriting an economy based mostly on the exportation of raw materials. There has been a lack of effective engagement from leaders, employers and communities for new employment opportunities. To resolve the unemployment problem in Botswana, the nation is looking to build a strong and inclusive economy.
Botswanans are looking for leaders to create a coherent job strategy for its citizens. Some individuals have faced inequality through the employment process in Botswana. Botswanans believe a strong economy includes investing in education and high-speed internet. Equality and inclusion throughout the employment process in Botswana can reduce the number of unemployed individuals. Job growth and creation can also be strengthened by utilizing the internet and AI technology.
The Use of AI Technology for Employment
Mohiri was created to serve society and aid with the employment rate. Thato Kasongo, a young entrepreneur, created Mohiri at the age of 24 in 2017. The creator wanted to launch a website and mobile app because he understood that Botswanans were interested in online services. By creating Mohiri, the app would be able to reach the greatest number of Botswanans through a cheaper form of the internet, social media. The social media approach showed great success in the first year by reaching more than 20,000 subscribers. Job seekers of Mohiri secured more than a couple of hundred jobs so far.
Founder Kasongo saw the need to create a service that would help the job process through the use of AI technology. Through personalized services, Mohiri connects job seekers to new and up-and-coming employment opportunities. AI technology will match the individual’s profile to an available job that fits the description of similar qualities and previous work experience. A message is sent through chatbots to the individual who applied for the job about a potential position.
Not only has AI technology been beneficial for job seekers but it has also helped businesses on Mohiri. The platform allows for businesses and recruiters to advertise job vacancies to applicants within the Botswanan job market. Mohiri allows businesses to reach out to more applicants than ever before, where it was not feasible before. AI technology allows for a direct placement process where the business can fast-track the recruitment process, allowing the job seeker a placement in less time.
Currently, Mohiri is free to job seekers but the organization is looking to expand to paid subscriptions to offer more expansive services. Mohiri wants to increase its audience by creating partnerships with local network operators. Mohiri also wants to eventually expand and help other countries with high unemployment rates, including Namibia and Zambia. Mohiri understands that unemployment is a major problem in Botswana and surrounding countries but also recognizes the role of AI in making employment processes easier and quicker.
The Future of AI for Employment
The unemployment rate is incredibly high in Botswana. Mohiri is helping the employment process in Botswana. The company wants to help with opportunities for both seekers and employers throughout Botswana. Mohiri will aid individuals by matching job seekers to suitable employers through AI technology. Job seeking sites that use AI technology, made available to Botswanans, can aid in the process of decreasing the unemployment rate. Furthermore, social media and online platforms that use AI technology can better target the younger generation that has an even higher unemployment rate.
– Ann Ciancia
Photo: Flickr