Nairobi: The government has called for urgent reforms in skills development to align training with labor market demands and unlock job opportunities for millions of young Africans. Speaking during the opening of the Africa Skills for Jobs Policy Academy in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano emphasized the importance of skills development under Kenya's Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) as key drivers of industrialization and inclusive growth.
According to Kenya News Agency, Miano announced the government's commitment to expanding access to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) with a target to increase enrollment from 700,000 to two million students by the end of this year. She highlighted the importance of partnerships with industry players to ensure graduates acquire digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills that match current and emerging job markets. These reforms aim to boost productivity, attract investment, and promote technological advancement, with skilled workers playing a crucial role in fostering competitiveness and innovation.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, represented by Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary in the State Department for TVET, stressed that Africa's industrialization hinges on transforming TVET systems to be more responsive to labor market needs. He urged for reforms that position TVET as the first-choice pathway for learners, highlighting the need for TVET institutions to prepare not only job seekers but also innovators and entrepreneurs. Ogamba acknowledged President William Ruto's administration for significant advancements in the TVET sector, supported by the World Bank's EASTRIP programme.
World Bank Vice President for the People, Mamta Murthi, warned of a global skills shortage threatening growth and competitiveness in developing economies. She pointed out the paradox of employers struggling to find skilled workers while young people face difficulty finding jobs. Murthi emphasized the need for education and training systems to equip young people with problem-solving skills and practical competencies, and the importance of private sector involvement in defining and delivering job-relevant skills.
World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Ndiame Diop, noted that Africa's demographic surge could either drive economic growth or deepen unemployment. He stressed the importance of accelerating, diversifying, and sustaining growth to unlock Africa's full potential. Diop highlighted the skills gap as a significant obstacle and emphasized the need for economies to create jobs linked to training, with employers playing a central role in curriculum development.
Private sector representatives, like Amal Hassan of Nigeria's Outsource Global, shared their experiences at the forum. Hassan highlighted Africa's potential in the outsourcing industry and the necessity to strengthen training and infrastructure. She described how her company developed training programs tailored to industry needs, enabling Nigerian youth to secure employment in various outsourced services and expanding operations to Kenya.
Delegates at the forum underscored the importance of building resilient, demand-driven skills systems for Africa's development agenda. Coordinated action among governments, the private sector, and development partners is essential to transform the continent's demographic potential into sustainable jobs and inclusive growth.