By E K Bensah Jr
Ghana Coordinator, Agenda 2063 Media Network
The maiden edition of Africa Skills Week (ASW) ended in Accra with a stentorian call for the continent to quickly-mobilize resources and minds to prepare for the next edition.
One of the critical and key takeaways is that ASW should be institutionalized as a biennial event to encourage dialogue, experience sharing and collaboration on skills development and employment in Africa.
In closing ASW, the communiqué says the conference has achieved enhanced policy dialogue “on the importance of skills development in driving economic growth and social inclusion.”
It has also “increased collaboration between governments, educational institutions, private sector entities and international organizations”; as well as enhanced knowledge sharing and learning around experiences and best practices in skills development, providing valuable insights.
Furthermore, it has engaged Africa’s youth, “ensuring that the outcomes of the week were relevant to their needs and aspirations.”
In a statement seen by Ecowas Business News that includes part of the outcome statement, there is also a seven-point call to action.
Call to Action
The seven-point call to action tasks government on four of the points – specifically on implementation of effective and inclusive skills development policies; strengthening of partnerships for impact; promoting entrepreneurship through training, mentorship and access to financing; leveraging technology and innovation to enhance skills development and digitalise educational systems.
The remaining three points task stakeholders to leverage technology and innovation to enhance skills development and digitalise educational systems, including recommending that 2025-2034 be declared Africa’s Decade of Skills and Jobs.
Additionally, there should be implementation of the call to action of the Youth Summit on Skills.
Finally, mechanisms should be established to research, monitor and evaluate progress in skills development, and ensure innovation, accountability and sustainability.
Youth Call
Ancillary to the seven-point call is a separate Youth Statement that also captures the collective voice of ASW’s youthful participants – “those Africans for whom ASW has particular significance.”
“Recognising that Africa is home to the largest youth population globally, addressing the barriers to skills development is critical for cultivating sustainable livelihoods, economic growth and inclusive development, for the ‘Africa We Want’,” it reads.
The Youth Statement includes the recognition of an Africa in which skills development “increases employability; empowers the youth to lead Africa’s growth; takes into consideration the unique contexts of the youth; ensures the inclusion of marginalised groups and expands opportunities for all; and prepares the youth for “the technological revolution” ahead.
The statement continues that “We believe that Africa’s students and youth can lead the continent towards a prosperous and sustainable future through collaboration, inclusivity and innovation. By joining forces, we can create a future where every young African has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s make this vision a reality – together!” the Youth Statement concludes.
Themed around “Skills and jobs for the 21st century: quality skills development for sustainable employability in Africa”, ASW took place in Accra from 14 to 18 October 2024.
The thematic focus aligns with the African Union’s Year of Education in 2024.
Hosted by the Government of Ghana in partnership with the African Union (AU), it was supported by Germany through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); as well as by the International Labour Organization (ILO); UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); World Bank; Ghana’s Commission for TVET (CTVET); and Ghana’s Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
AUDA-NEPAD is one of the key implementing partners of the programme, and remains the only AU agency working with the African Union Commission to implement outcomes of ASW.
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