Africa Skills Week: Bridging the Gap for Skills and Job Market in Africa

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October 13, 2024

The Africa Skills Week (ASW), organized by the African Union Commission's Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI) from 14-18 October 2024, in Ghana, Palms Conventions Center, under the patronage of Ghana's Minister of Education, H.E. Dr. Yaw Osei Aduntwum, aims to address the critical need to provide Africa's youth with the necessary skills that suit the ever-changing demands of the labour market. Holding within the context of the "Year of Education” under the theme “Skills and Jobs for the 21st Century: Quality Skills Development for Sustainable Employability in Africa," the event will help to enhance collaboration among stakeholders from both the supply and demand sides of the labor market, promote conversations on improving youth skills and employability throughout the continent

In addition, the ASW offers a comprehensive platform to align educational reform with market needs, ensuring that Africa’s youth are well-equipped to thrive in the global economy while contributing to the continent's sustainable development.

It is worth recalling that, Africa’s economic growth is closely tied to the integration of education and opportunities, as highlighted by key strategies like the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025) and the Continental Strategy for Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET). These strategies emphasize the link between education, skill development, and job creation. ASW supports these goals by encouraging innovation, collaboration, and skills development across Africa, ultimately promoting sustainable economic growth and social inclusion. The event will also contributes significantly to the African Union’s 2024 theme of building resilient education systems that foster inclusive, lifelong, and relevant learning across the continent.

According to the organisers, the ASW will promote skill development and raise awareness of its impact on employment, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience; facilitate knowledge sharing among stakeholders in Africa and beyond to share best practices, creative methods, and effective skill development programs. The week will also bring together policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and stakeholders to boost African skills development ecosystems; empower young Africans with skills, knowledge, and opportunity for success in the job market and long-term development; foster collaborations with governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, corporations, and international development partners to support skill development efforts; and showcase success stories such as recognizing and rewarding outstanding skill development efforts.

Activities during the Skills Week will include a high-level opening session, a policy forum, thematic workshops and seminars, a skills exhibition, youth events, and a market place. A policy forum, inclusive and interactive sessions on TVET governance, digital skills, entrepreneurship, migration, green skills, youth events, and networking opportunities, among others, also features on the agenda of the Week-long event.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communications Directorate, AUC, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | E-mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
Ms. Hiba Mohamed | Advocacy Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: hibae@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mr. Maqhawe Freedom Thwala | Digital Communications Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation | African Union Commission| E-mail: ThwalaM@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org