Accra, Ghana, Africa Skills Week (ASW) should be institutionalised as a
biennial event to encourage dialogue, experience sharing and
collaboration on skills development and employment in Africa, the
inaugural conference’s outcome statement and call to action boldly
states.

In closing ASW, this communiqué says the conference had achieved
enhanced policy dialogue “on the importance of skills development in
driving economic growth and social inclusion”; it had increased
collaboration between governments, educational institutions, private
sector entities and international organisations; it had enhanced
knowledge sharing and learning around experiences and best practices in
skills development, providing valuable insights; and it had engaged
Africa’s youth, ensuring that the outcomes of the week were relevant
to their needs and aspirations.

It also lays out seven points in its call to action:

        *

Governments should prioritise the implementation of effective and
inclusive skills development policies
        *

Governments, educational institutions and the productive sectors must
strengthen partnerships for impact
        *

Governments and educational institutions should promote entrepreneurship
through training, mentorship and access to financing
        *

Governments and educational institutions should leverage technology and
innovation to enhance skills development and digitalise educational
systems
        *

Stakeholders must continue the dialogue around skills development and
employment in Africa in various ways, including making ASW a biennial
event. It is also recommended that 2025-2034 be declared Africa’s
Decade of Skills and Jobs
        *

Implement the call to action of the Youth Summit on Skills, and partner
with the youth to build a future where they can realise their full
potential
        *

Establish mechanisms to research, monitor and evaluate progress in
skills development, and ensure innovation, accountability and
sustainability

“Considering Africa’s youthful demographics and its workforce that
is projected to double by 2050, by taking these actions, we can
collectively address the skills gap in Africa and create a more
prosperous and inclusive future for the continent,” the communiqué
reads.

A separate Youth Statement 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 lays out a vision for 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.

“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.

ASW has taken place in Accra from 14 to 18 October 2024, themed around
“Skills and jobs for the 21st century: quality skills development for
sustainable employability in Africa”. This focus aligns with the
African Union’s Year of Education in 2024.

The conference is being hosted by the Government of Ghana in partnership
with the African Union (AU). It is 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.

Daily themes for the conference have revolved around youth, skills
development and jobs in the 21st century; aligning skills needs and
training; changing perceptions around technical and vocational education
and training (TVET); ensuring inclusive skills development for women,
displaced people and persons with disabilities; and skills development
for African transformation. Delegates from all over the world,
representing African, European and global bodies, as well as the youth,
have engaged in robust plenary sessions and panel discussions.

The theme of the final day was “Africa digital transformation on
skills development and jobs”. In his address at the start of
proceedings, Professor Saïdou Madougou, Director in the AU’s
Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) initiative,
reminded the delegates that digital transformation is about more than
adopting technology.

“When we talk about innovating education in Africa, we are talking
about much more than simply digitising textbooks or putting computers in
classrooms. True innovation in education involves rethinking how we
teach, what we teach and who has access. It’s about building an
inclusive system that equips every child, no matter where they are born,
with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“Technology can be a game-changer, but it is not a solution on its
own. Many African countries are already experimenting with e-learning
platforms, mobile education apps and virtual classrooms. But we must
ensure that technology addresses the diverse needs of our students,
taking into account different learning styles, languages and access to
the internet.

“True innovation means creating systems that meet the needs of all
students,” Prof. Madougou said.

A highlight of the day was a pitching session in which 10 digital
initiatives – finalists out of a total of 611 entries – were given
the opportunity to garner one of three African Union Education
Innovation Awards. Shortly before the closing ceremony, the winners were
announced:

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US$25 000 first prize: SimuLab and Science Safari, a virtual science
laboratory platform developed by Ghana’s OGames
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US$15 000 second prize: Storytelling and Digital Tech for Change, a
storytelling initiative for social behavioural change and digital skills
by Tanzanian company Tai [1]
        *

US$10 000 third prize: NABU Multilingual App and Web Reader, a
multinational initiative [2] that creates original children’s stories
in mother-tongue languages

In closing ASW, Ghanaian Minister for Education the Hon. Dr Yaw Osei
Adutwum issued a passionate appeal to everyone present to take action.

“Every one of us has our moment,” he said. “The most important
[thing] is how you seize the moment. So I want to encourage you: aspire
for greatness. Seize the moment. Change your country, and change
Africa.”