By Zika Bobby
Africa is on the cusp of a seismic shift, one that could catapult the continent to superpower status, courtesy of its burgeoning youthful workforce. With the world’s youngest population, Africa is uniquely positioned to bridge labour gaps in ageing economies and become a dominant economic force globally.
By 2050, Africa’s workforce is projected to be one of the most powerful economic drivers worldwide, surpassing those of Europe, North America and parts of Asia. However, to capitalise on this demographic dividend, Africa must urgently invest in education, skills development and strategic workforce planning.
According to George Asamani, Managing Director, Project Management Institute, Sub-Saharan Africa, one of Africa’s greatest challenges is not just unemployment, but a skills mismatch, where graduates enter the job market with qualifications that no longer align with industry needs.
“This gap emerges because education systems are not adapting quickly enough to address the changing needs of the job market.
“To address this, Africa must prioritise education and skills development, ensuring that its workforce is equipped to drive innovation and economic growth. Africa now needs action. Governments, universities and businesses must break old models, invest in skills and build a workforce that not only participates in but also defines the future,” he added.