The African Union (AU) has called for a major overhaul of education and vocational training systems across the continent to tackle youth unemployment.
AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Gaspard Banyankimbona made the call as Africa Skills Week opened in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, on Monday.
He said over 12 million young Africans enter the labour market every year, but the formal economy absorbs only about three million.
“Every year, over 12 million young Africans enter the labour market, bringing fresh energy, creativity and immense potential. While the formal economy currently absorbs only three million of these young talents, this represents our greatest opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship and the creation of new high-value industries,” he said.
Opening the event, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said African countries must move beyond theoretical education to practical skills that drive industrialisation.
“A decisive paradigm shift is urgent so that we transition from the culture of mere acquisition of theoretical education,” Mnangagwa told delegates gathered at the Harare International Conference Centre.
“Our country treasures this honour accorded to us by the African Union to host this flagship programme. We are a nation that strongly believes that human capital development and the power of practical knowledge are key ingredients to building our respective countries,” he added.
Banyankimbona warned that Africa accounts for less than one percent of foreign direct investment in advanced technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence.
“By proactively retooling our workforce and building our own technological ecosystems, we shall be able to position our youth to be global innovation leaders,” he said.
The third edition of Africa Skills Week runs from October 12 to 16 and has brought together policymakers, educators and industry leaders to discuss vocational training, digital transformation and job creation.
Credit: Viory
