The inaugural Africa Skills Week (ASW) conference is underway in Accra, Ghana, from October 14-18, 2024. This groundbreaking event aims to revolutionize technical and vocational education and training (TVET) across the continent.
Hosted by the Government of Ghana, in partnership with the African Union (AU) and supported by prominent organizations such as Germany’s Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and World Bank, ASW seeks to bridge the gap between skills development and employment opportunities.
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, emphasized that Africa’s mindset around TVET must shift. With over 60% of Africa’s population under 25 years old, the continent is poised for significant growth and social transformation.
However, traditional tertiary education has focused too heavily on white-collar occupations, neglecting vital skills-based training.
Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, head of Ghana’s Commission for TVET (CTVET), echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of planning for Africa’s skills future.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is almost ending, and what is Africa doing if our working population is doubling in the next 26 years?” he asked. ASW is a crucial step in addressing this challenge.
Ghanaian youth leader Asimawu Tahiru shared her personal experience with TVET functional literacy, citing its profound impact on her life. She advocates for increased investment in TVET sectors, particularly for young women.
The ASW 2024 conference aims to strengthen TVET systems by fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, promote private sector engagement in developing sustainable and industry-relevant skills, highlight green skills and innovation in workforce training, showcase best practices from TVET institutions, and facilitate policy dialogues to shape Africa’s workforce for the future.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in high-level opening sessions, policy dialogues, peer learning forums, thematic workshops, seminars, skills exhibitions, youth summits, and study tours.
ASW 2024 offers exclusive interviews, press briefings, and on-site coverage of workshops and presentations. High-quality media assets will be available for distribution.
The official opening of Africa Skills Week takes place on October 15, 2024, with a keynote address by Ghana’s President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
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