By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The African Union Commission
has convened a conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to accelerate the
implementation of Africa’s Continental Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (CTVET) Strategy at the national level.
The conference, held at the
African Union Headquarters under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Youth through
Harmonised and Strengthened TVET Systems for Sustainable Development,” brought
together representatives of member states, TVET regulators and providers,
development partners, international organisations and other stakeholders.
The meeting is focused on
strengthening understanding of the Continental TVET Strategy, including its
vision, guiding principles and strategic foundations, while examining how
countries can translate the continental framework into national policies and programmes.
Discussions are also
addressing the practical meaning of domestication for TVET regulators, training
institutions, employers and other social partners involved in skills
development.
The African Union said the
conference provides a platform for peer learning, policy dialogue and
collective action aimed at turning continental commitments into stronger
national TVET systems and practical implementation plans.
The push comes as African
countries seek to address youth unemployment and skills gaps by expanding
access to technical and vocational education aligned with changing labour
market needs.
Through the Continental TVET
Strategy, the African Union is seeking to strengthen skills development as a
pathway to greater employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and economic
participation for Africa’s growing youth population.
The Commission reaffirmed
its commitment to strengthening TVET systems across the continent and ensuring
that young Africans acquire relevant skills capable of supporting inclusive and
sustainable development.
