TVET must no longer be a backup option – Minister

THE Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has urged African leaders to reimagine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a core component of the continent’s development strategy, emphasizing that TVET is no longer a backup option but a crucial pathway to broader opportunities for Africa’s youth.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the inaugural African Skills Week, held in Accra, Dr. Adutwum highlighted the transformative potential of TVET in equipping the continent’s growing workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

“In Ghana, our free TVET policy and the adoption of Competency-Based Training have laid the groundwork for this transformation. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure that our youth are prepared for the demands of a dynamic world,” he said.

The African Skills Week, organized by the African Union Commission on Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, in partnership with the Government of Ghana, brought together more than 6,000 participants from across the continent.

Held under the theme “Skills and Jobs for the 21st Century: Quality Skills Development for Sustainable Employability in Africa,” the event explored the future of skills development and its role in driving economic growth and social inclusion across Africa.

Dr. Adutwum pointed out that Africa’s workforce is projected to more than double by 2050, necessitating a revolution in skills training. He emphasized the continent’s need to harness the creativity and passion of its youth, stating, “African leaders must provide the opportunities to turn these talents into real-world success stories.”

He also stressed the importance of inclusive education, ensuring that skills development reaches every corner of society, including women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable communities.

“We must expand access to TVET and ensure that the training provided is relevant to the current and future needs of our economies,” he added.

The Minister underscored the critical role of digital skills in the evolving workforce, urging African nations not to be left behind in the digital revolution. He called for increased collaboration among African countries to tackle shared challenges, particularly youth unemployment and the need for lifelong learning.

“Africa must unite in its approach to skills development. By sharing best practices and fostering interregional cooperation, we can build a skilled workforce that drives innovation and economic growth across the continent,” he stated.

In addition to the focus on TVET, Dr. Adutwum also highlighted the establishment of the Public Investment and Asset Division within the Ministry of Finance. This division, he explained, enhances the government’s supervision of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private sector engagement under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework

 “This has led to the production of the State Ownership Reports since 2016, informing the public about the performance of Specified Entities, including SOEs.

“Additionally, the PPP-driven development of the Tema Motorway is part of a broader effort to better position the private sector to drive economic growth,” Dr. Adutwum said.

At the conclusion of the five-day conference, a communiqué was issued urging African governments to prioritize the implementation of effective and inclusive skills development policies.

It also called for strengthened partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and the private sector to promote entrepreneurship through training, mentorship, and access to financing.

The communiqué further recommended making African Skills Week a biennial event and emphasized the need for continuous dialogue on skills development and employment across the continent. It also called for the establishment of mechanisms to research, monitor, and evaluate progress in skills development to ensure accountability, innovation, and sustainability.