1st Africa Skills Week Theme: “Skills and Jobs for the 21st Century: Quality Skills Development for Sustainable Employability in Africa”
Africa’s journey towards economic prosperity is heavily reliant on the integration of education and opportunities, as highlighted by the Continental Education Strategy (CESA 2016-2025) and the Continental Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Strategy. These strategies emphasize the critical link between education, skill development, and job creation. Africa Skills Week (ASW) aligns with CESA’s goals by fostering collaboration and innovation in skills development and employment across the continent. The event supports the African Union’s 2024 theme of “building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”. By prioritizing skills development, the AU and its partners aim to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth, driving sustainable economic growth and social inclusion across the continent.
The main objectives of the Africa Skills Week are follows:
1. Promotion of Skills Development: Raise awareness about the significance of skills development in enhancing employability, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience in Africa.
2. Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate the exchange of best practices, innovative approaches, and successful initiatives in skills development among stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
3. Policy Dialogue: Provide a platform for policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue on policies and strategies to strengthen skills development ecosystems in Africa.
4. Youth Empowerment: Empower young people by equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in the rapidly evolving job market and contribute to Africa’s sustainable development.
5. Partnership Building: Foster partnerships and collaboration among governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and international development partners to support skills development initiatives in Africa.
Contact :
Ms. Hiba Mohamed: hibae@africa-union.org|
Mr. Maqhawe Freedom Thwala : ThwalaM@africa-union.org
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar : GamalK@africa-union.org
Organizer
The African Union (AU) is a continental organization comprising 55 African states, launched in July 2002 in Durban to succeed the Organization of African Unity (OAU), founded in 1963.
History: The OAU was created by 32 heads of state in Addis Ababa and aimed at the unity and solidarity of African states, the eradication of colonialism, and cooperation for development. In 1999, the Sirte Declaration proposed the establishment of the AU to strengthen African integration and address challenges related to globalization.
Launch of the AU: The AU aims to build “An integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.” Its objectives include defending the sovereignty of states, socio-economic integration, promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
Structure: The AU’s work is managed by various bodies, including the Assembly of Heads of State, the Executive Council, and the Peace and Security Council. The AU also includes judicial institutions such as the African Commission and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Agenda 2063: This strategic framework aims for the long-term socio-economic transformation of Africa, promoting collaboration to achieve the aspirations of African peoples.
