The “Putting Skills First” report by the World Economic Forum and PwC highlights, first and foremost, the importance of prioritizing skills over academic degrees. This approach, therefore, is essential to address talent shortages and close skills gaps. Additionally, the report identifies five key areas for skills-based solutions and presents thirteen successful examples.

Moreover, the report promotes a cultural and strategic shift towards prioritizing skills. This shift, as a result, drives innovation, equity, and labor productivity. In this context, the Musa initiative, operated by Edge Tech in Peru, is transforming learning in Latin America. Musa also develops training programs that improve the workforce in sectors like retail, microfinance, and NGOs.

During the pandemic, Musa was established in Peru, focusing on improving the skills of traditional business owners, particularly those in the informal economy. To achieve this, Musa trained these business owners using WhatsApp, offering 15-minute sessions with practical and straightforward methods. This approach, which leverages widely available technology, demonstrates how to overcome geographical and socioeconomic barriers.

Furthermore, by strategically partnering with industry stakeholders, learning providers, and government agencies, Musa has created personalized learning opportunities. These opportunities address the specific needs of various sectors. The initiative also specifically aims to professionalize and formalize SMEs, promoting financial inclusion and entrepreneurial skills.

As a result, in two years, Musa has impacted 350,000 people. It has achieved a 90% completion rate and a satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 among participants. This success, in summary, highlights how technology can transform learning, offering effective and accessible educational tools, and thus fostering a more inclusive and prepared future.