SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA - WHO ARE WE TRAINING FOR IN 2063?
Africa’s Agenda 2063 outlines a strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation over 50 years, emphasising inclusive growth and sustainable development. Central to this vision is the development of skills that will prepare the future workforce for the challenges and opportunities of 2063. This study aims to examine who the current skills development initiatives in Africa are training for, assessing their alignment with the long-term goals of Agenda 2063. A systematic literature review was conducted, analysing peer-reviewed articles, policy papers, and development reports published between 2010 and 2023. Databases such as JSTOR, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords like “Africa skills development,” “Agenda 2063,” “future workforce,” and “education strategies in Africa.” The review revealed that current skills development programs focus on fostering competencies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), alongside entrepreneurship and digital literacy. These programs aim to equip the youth with skills relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, there is a mismatch between the skills being taught and the future needs identified in Agenda 2063. Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality education, and a gap in soft skills training persist, potentially hindering the realisation of the 2063 vision. To effectively prepare for 2063, skills development initiatives must be strategically realigned with the continent’s long-term objectives. Policymakers, educators, and stakeholders should collaborate to redesign curricula, invest in educational infrastructure, and emphasize both technical and soft skills. Addressing these gaps is crucial to developing a workforce capable of driving sustainable development and achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063.