AGI calls for workplace training to boost youth employability

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to implement workplace training to improve the job prospects of young Africans. Dela Gadzanku, AGI's Vice President overseeing SMEs, emphasized that workplace-based training should be the standard rather than an occasional option, as it can significantly boost Africa's socio-economic growth.

During the 2026 International Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, Gadzanku stressed the importance of such partnerships during a session themed "Skills that Work: Advancing Industry-TVET Collaboration for Sustainable Skills and Global Competitiveness." The conference, attended by over 500 people from 20 nations, aimed to enhance public-private collaborations to align training programs with real-world job requirements and stimulate job creation.

Gadzanku addressed the sub-theme, "Strengthening Industry-TVET Partnerships for Labour Market Relevance and Incentivization," advocating for stronger ties between businesses and TVET institutions. He urged SMEs to offer more practical workplace experiences for young people, ensuring their education matches the evolving job market needs.

As the head of AGI Youth in Business, Gadzanku also recommended entrepreneurship as an employment alternative for TVET graduates, encouraging them to utilize their acquired skills to innovate products and solutions. The AGI is developing a platform, the AGI Nkabom Job Portal, to facilitate direct connections between employers and job seekers, aiming to alleviate youth unemployment.

Panelists included representatives from the Kenya Employers Association, Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and GIZ Senegal.