By: Kassahun Chanie
A revolution in skills development tailored to the unique needs of African nations is essential for future economic success, experts declared at the ongoing African Skills Summit in Addis Ababa.
Lourdes Lobe De, Managing Director of I Work in Africa, delivered a powerful message emphasising the urgency of bridging the gap between education and the evolving demands of the continent's job market.
Addressing delegates gathered in the Ethiopian capital, Lobe De stressed that Africa's future prosperity depends on equipping its youth with the right skills to fuel industrialisation.
She emphasised the critical need for thorough market research to pinpoint the precise skills sought by employers in specific industries. "We must be open-minded and conduct thorough market research to understand these needs," she stated firmly, adding that aligning curricula with these needs is paramount to creating an adaptable, skilled workforce.
Lobe De highlighted the pivotal role of entrepreneurship as a driver of African development. However, she cautioned that the success of startups and budding businesses hinges on access to robust financing. "We must support startups and entrepreneurs through accessible financial resources," she asserted, advocating for increased investment in programs that empower the next generation of African business leaders.
During her presentation, Lobe De questioned the existing education system, noting a tendency to prioritise traditional university degrees despite the increasing demand for vocational skills. She argued that vocational and technical education offer quicker, more relevant pathways to employment. "Investing in vocational training and technical schools is crucial," she urged, suggesting that these institutions are uniquely positioned to deliver the practical skills needed for success in industrial careers.
The discussions at the Addis Ababa summit also addressed the importance of ensuring that initiatives like the African Skills Summit accurately reflect the diverse challenges and perspectives of different African nations.
Lobe De cautioned against simply adopting Western models. "We should not merely mimic Western models; rather, we must develop our own strategies tailored to our diverse needs," she stated.
To that end, a series of actionable recommendations were proposed to support this vision: Conducting comprehensive research to identify the specific skills demanded by the market and various industries, establishing robust financing mechanisms to support entrepreneurship and facilitate the launch and sustainability of startups, expanding investment in vocational training and technical schools, recognizing their vital role in producing a prepared and adaptable workforce, and ensuring that the African Skills Summit effectively addresses the unique contexts of different African countries, championing locally relevant solutions over generic approaches.
As the summit progresses in Addis Ababa, a shared commitment to fostering strategic skill development and entrepreneurship is palpable. Participants believe that this commitment can reshape the economic landscape of Africa, empowering its youth to thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment.
The focus on local solutions and tailored approaches sets a promising tone for future initiatives aimed at harnessing the continent's potential, according to the Managing Director.
