Ms Sophia Ashipala, Head of the Education Division, African Union Commission, says the archaic perception that Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a second-tier option needs to be discarded.
She therefore called for vocational training to be recognised as an equally prestigious and rewarding pathway as traditional academic routes.
“Skilled professionals are the backbone of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. By aligning TVET’s key values with the needs of industry and the relevance of technology to the job market, we elevate its value in society”.
Ms Ashipala, speaking at the Africa Skills Week Summit on the theme “Rethinking TVET and Skill Development: Effective Models for Implementation in Africa” emphasised that vocational education could change lives and communities and drive entire economies forward.
She said that with over 60 per cent of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent stood on the brink of economic growth fueled by its youthful energy and that TVET was critical to harnessing this potential.
She informed that the African Union’s Agenda 2063, had identified human capital development as a core goal, and TVET was set to play a central role in achieving this vision.
Ms Ashipala also underscored the importance of integrating emerging technologies into TVET to bridge existing gaps in infrastructure, quality, and access.
“The 21st-century workplace is largely driven by technology, and for African nations to compete globally, we must leverage these advancements in TVET, E-learning platforms, augmented reality, and mobile training units are just some of the ways we can bring vocational skills to even the most remote areas,” she said.
Ms Ashipala also highlighted the need to support women across Africa to pursue careers in various fields, particularly those traditionally dominated by men.
She stressed that gender inclusion in TVET was essential for Africa’s overall development and that women should be motivated to explore all career opportunities.
Ms Ashipala called on the private sector to collaborate with public institutions to create opportunities for continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling throughout an individual’s career, adding that “such partnerships were crucial for building the Africa of tomorrow—one that stands tall on the global stage.”
“As Africa continues to grow and develop, we can expect TVET to drive a paradigm shift in the continent’s education sector, resulting in a more skilled and productive workforce,” she added.
Source: GNA
