Africa: Africa's Talent Gap Is No Longer Just About Skills, Experts Say
[New Times] Africa's youthful population is often described as its biggest opportunity. But without stronger links between education, skills and employment, the continent risks turning its demographic dividend into an economic burden, experts have warned.
At the AIESEC Alumni MEA Conference in Kigali, experts revealed that Africa's youthful population is not just an opportunity, but a talent gap challenge. The continent's education system and training programs have not effectively bridged the skills gap, leaving graduates unprepared for the workplace. Vivens Uwizeyimana, founder of Umurava, noted that despite training thousands of young people, finding qualified candidates for jobs remains difficult.
Many graduates, he said, spend four years at university without gaining practical work experience, leaving them poorly equipped for the workforce. Pearl D. Gakazi, CEO of Kolaborate, urged Africa to stop viewing the training gap as a permanent issue. Instead, she suggested establishing specialised skilling organisations that can prepare students and graduates for specific workplace requirements through short courses, internships, and apprenticeships.
These organisations should maintain close ties with employers and universities to ensure emerging skills requirements are reflected in curricula. Gakazi also pointed out a "trust gap" between African talent and global employers. She argued that employers struggle to identify and organise African talent efficiently. Additionally, Jennifer Echenim, co-founder of Bloccpay, highlighted the issue of young professionals not receiving payment for their work, especially when working for international companies.
This financial challenge, she said, can lead to complications in various aspects of life, such as obtaining loans or renting property.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
