Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has the potential to significantly change the lives of Africa’s youth, women, persons with disabilities, and displaced individuals, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and social equity.
This central theme resonated throughout day four of Africa Skills Week (ASW) held in Accra, Ghana.
Jessica Annor, Head of the Youth, Gender, and Women’s Empowerment Unit at the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD), emphasized the practicality of TVET, stating it equips vulnerable populations with essential skills, enabling them to make a positive societal impact.
“We aim to build a more inclusive Africa where no one is left behind,” she declared.
ASW, running from October 14 to 18, 2024, is themed “Skills and Jobs for the 21st Century: Quality Skills Development for Sustainable Employability in Africa,” aligning with the African Union’s Year of Education.
The event is hosted by the Government of Ghana in partnership with the African Union, with support from organizations such as GIZ, ILO, UNESCO, and the World Bank, along with Ghana’s Commission for TVET (CTVET) and relevant ministries.
Several impactful initiatives were highlighted, including the “Building a Pathway Out of Poverty” project in Somalia, which targets ultra-poor households and internally displaced persons in a context of political instability and drought. By partnering with enterprises to sponsor trainees in TVET programs, the initiative has successfully lifted many female-headed households out of extreme poverty.
Since its inception in 2021, 1,893 students have graduated, with 60% being girls and women aged 16 to 40, and 76% securing employment.
Another noteworthy initiative was presented by Musema Robert, a sustainable fashion designer from Uganda. His Msema Culture project provides vocational training in sustainable tailoring, empowering girls, women, and young dropouts.
Musema Robert explained, “We aim to enhance the power of fashion for communication and advocacy, addressing critical issues like unemployment and gender-based violence.” The training sessions are designed to accommodate participants’ domestic responsibilities, promoting higher enrollment and retention rates.
As African nations prepare to implement the AU Continental TVET (CTVET) Strategy (2025-2034), ASW delegates underscored the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders for its success.
Dr. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, shared insights from Ghana’s SKILL-UP project, which has established 16 sector skills bodies, with a goal of reaching 22 across various sectors such as agriculture and ICT.
She highlighted the necessity of inclusive partnerships in producing skills that meet labor market demands.
Dr. Phala-Moyo noted that these sector bodies are built on social dialogue, ensuring buy-in from key social partners like the Ghana Employers Association and Ghana’s Trades Union Congress.
“The CTVET strategy can only be impactful if it is owned by all partners,” she affirmed.
The recently adopted AU-ILO Youth Employment Strategy for Africa emphasizes the critical role of employers and workers in fostering decent work opportunities. During the conference, high school students from Accra shared their perspectives on career planning, highlighting the importance of researching dream careers, securing parental and teacher support, and overcoming financial barriers.
One student articulated, “Vocational education and training reduces unemployment and is the way to development.” This sentiment reflects the broader consensus at ASW on the vital role of TVET in shaping Africa’s future.
Africa Skills Week has underscored the transformative potential of TVET in fostering economic growth and social equity across the continent. By empowering vulnerable populations through practical skills development and ensuring collaborative efforts among stakeholders, Africa can pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.