In Nairobi on November 30th, African technical, vocational education, and training (TVET) regulators have commenced a conference in order to create a plan for standardizing qualification standards.
Leaders of TVET regulatory bodies and agencies from all over the continent are in attendance at the two-day conference, with the aim of bolstering the digital transformation and governance of TVET systems.
Nicholas Ouma, a senior youth adviser with the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation at the African Union Commission (AUC), highlighted the commission’s interest in reviving vocational training in Africa.
Ouma stated that the focus should be on empowering youth to bring about rapid transformation in industries and contribute to development, with the prediction that the continent’s growing youth population has the potential to drive increased productivity and stronger economic growth.
Ouma acknowledged the current challenges facing education systems in Africa, including limited access for young people to skills, quality equipment, relevant skills, financing, and governance, but expressed confidence that demand-oriented vocational training would soon address these challenges.
He also mentioned that the AUC and development partners are currently providing support to countries to create resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.
Esther Thaara Muoria, the principal secretary of the State Department of Vocational and Technical Training in the Kenyan Ministry of Education, lamented the fragmented and underfunded nature of TVET systems in Africa, and urged African governments to provide funding in order to avoid low-quality training and a shortage of skilled workers.
The Nairobi conference aims to allow TVET regulators to exchange information about their systems, including their strengths, challenges, and priorities. They will also receive updates on the continental TVET policy review process and review a strategy for blended TVET as part of the initiatives to implement the AU digital education strategy.
In addition, the regulators are focusing on promoting collaboration and partnerships among TVET regulatory bodies as part of the conference’s objectives.
The officials from the Commonwealth of Learning, an initiative that focuses on the use of distance and open learning in technical and vocational skills development, are also participating in the conference.
