They made the call during the official opening of the Second Africa Skills Week, which is jointly organized by the African Union (AU) and the Ethiopian Ministry of Labor and Skills under the theme "Powering Africa's Industrial Future: Skills for Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability," running from Monday to Friday at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
Addressing the event, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the strategic importance of skills development to advance inclusive growth, create decent jobs, and realize the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
"The urgency of skilling our youth cannot be overstated. We must convert our demographic dividend into a productive, inclusive, and globally competitive workforce. This is why the African Union has placed skills at the heart of Agenda 2063," he said.
Youssouf also outlined key imperative actions, including harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and strengthening policy coherence and regional integration for skills development.
The continental gathering brought together policymakers, experts, industry leaders, educators, development partners, and young innovators to deliberate on skills development and youth empowerment across the continent. The event also witnessed the official launch of the 10-year Continental Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Strategy 2025-2034.
"We are not simply discussing the future. We are here to build foundations that will drive our ambitions and aspirations. The crucial and key force that transforms Africa's potential into economic power is skill," said Ethiopian Minister of Labor and Skills Muferihat Kamil.
The Second Africa Skills Week is a platform dedicated to advancing Africa's skills transformation agenda, focusing on strengthening skills for industrial growth, enhancing TVET, and fostering public-private partnerships.
Zhang Wei, charge d'affaires at the Mission of China to the AU, reaffirmed China's commitment as a "reliable friend and sincere partner."
"China stands ready to work hand in hand with the AU and African countries to further deepen cooperation on education and skills development, and help more young Africans master the golden key to employment and contribute to realizing the grand vision of Agenda 2063," Zhang said at the opening ceremony.
The week-long event features high-level dialogues, technical sessions and exhibitions.
According to the AU, the gathering is expected to generate tangible results, including accelerated implementation of the continental TVET strategy, stronger alignment between skills and industrialization, and greater participation of youth and women in shaping Africa's industrial future.
Xinhua
