Angora Aman – edited by PACT
INTRODUCTION
Africa finds itself at a critical crossroads in its history, with the opportunity to reshape its economic landscape through strategic industrialisation. This continent of unparalleled diversity and resources has the potential to break free from historical constraints and accelerate its development journey. Industrialisation has historically been a cornerstone of economic transformation in countries around the world. By moving beyond reliance on primary commodities, Africa can diversify its economy and build vibrant manufacturing and technology-driven sectors.
The issue of youth unemployment in Africa is a pressing concern for all African governments. The potential of the continent’s youthful population remains untapped, and without strategic interventions, this demographic dividend could turn into a threat. Some African governments have implemented promising programs to mobilise this potential. For African leaders, this means they need to shift their perspective on their youthful workforce from a threat to be mitigated and focus on the benefits that can be derived from it.
Since 2008, the Action Plan for the Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA) was adopted by African Union member states to achieve a balanced and sustainable industrialisation that contributes to economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards for the people of Africa.
However, for industrialisation to be successful, the continent must prioritise a more transformative approach to human capacity development with a particular focus on technical skills that are relevant to industry. A well-educated and trained workforce isa prerequisite for harnessing the potential of competitiveness, economic development, and industrialisation.
While a plethora of policies, research papers, and financial resources have been dedicated to advancing education on the continent, the translation of this investment into robust industrial growth has encountered persistent challenges. This discrepancy between educational endeavours and industrial outcomes raises essential questions about the efficacy of the current approaches and the need for more targeted strategies to bridge the gap between TVET education and industrialisation in Africa.
This article exudes an optimistic spirit and centers its attention on remarkable TVET success stories and industrialisation efforts throughout the continent. In the same vein, it draws inspiration from the practices of TVET frameworks set forth by industrialised nations renowned for their outstanding achievements. Subsequently, it analyses the similarities and commonalities present in these frameworks towards success. Finally, the article proposes multifaceted solutions and recommendations to empower African governments, private sectors, development agencies, and civil society in their collective effort to channel the transformative potential of TVET for industrialisation.
WHAT IS TVET?
TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) is the provision of skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values needed for the place of work. In contrast to general education, learning in TVET is centered on applied as opposed to academics, practical as opposed to theory, and skills as opposed to knowledge. TVET is meant to prepare learners for careers based on manual and practical activities. TVET relates to a specific trade in which the Learner participates, hence, the term vocational, while technical means that the learner directly develops expertise in a particular group of techniques.
Ever since the industrial revolution in the late 18th century, progress and prosperity have been closely identified with economic development. The economic competitiveness of a country depends on the skills of its workforce. The skills and competencies of the workforce, in turn, are dependent upon the quality of the country’s education and training systems. TVET is perceived as one of the crucial elements in enhancing economic productivity. Based on social efficiency theory, schools should prepare and supply future workers with appropriate knowledge and skills to enhance their productivity and, therefore, promote economic growth.
Nevertheless, TVET has most often become a tool for addressing the economic, political, social, and industrial crises that are threatening the political and economic stability of some nations. Rising unemployment, lack of skilled workforce, high dropout rates. and the changing demographic nature of the workforce has placed the issue of workforce education high on the educational reform agenda.
Acquisition of skills leads to manpower development and manpower training is the process of increasing the knowledge, skills, and capacities of the entire people in the society, which can only be achieved through TVET and enhance industrialisation and economic development of a country. A country cannot develop technologically, industrially, and economically without TVET which must be provided with adequate facilities, equipment, and resources. In furtherance, UNESCO & ILO (2002) stressing the need for TVET, reiterated that the economy of every nation becomes more productive, innovative, and competitive through the existence of more skilled human potential. Besides, the TVET program becomes more attractive and lucrative with the exchange of technical expertise between TVET institutions and businesses/industries.
Pioneering TVET Success Stories and Industrialisation Initiatives: Ghana, Morocco and South Africa
In this discussion, we aim to shine a spotlight on the remarkable success stories and noteworthy initiatives within the realm of TVET across the continent. We intend to emphasise the tangible outcomes and strides made in TVET that have directly contributed to industrialisation efforts in three African countries. By highlighting these achievements, we hope to provide a comprehensive view of the impactful TVET initiatives that have supported efforts of industrialisation in those countries. For example, Ghana, Morocco, and South Africa have embraced innovative approaches to TVET, resulting in concrete economic growth and industrial sector progress.
Over the years, Ghana’s strategic investments in TVET have yielded concrete outcomes, particularly within the agricultural sector. One notable period of increased investment in TVET occurred during the implementation of the Ghana Skills Development Initiative (GSDI) project, which began around 2012. The GSDI, funded by the World Bank and other development partners, aimed to improve the quality and relevance of TVET programs in Ghana, aligning them with industry needs and promoting job creation.
The GSDI project focused on various aspects of TVET, including curriculum development, teacher training, infrastructure improvement, and industry engagement. Through collaborations between educational institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, Ghana has seen improved agricultural productivity, value chain integration, and sustainable farming practices. Through this project +2,000 young and women, 100 industrial supervisors, and 500 master craft persons have been trained, all done in collaboration with the private sector. This has not only boosted domestic food production and reduced import dependence but has also contributed to the country’s export capabilities and overall economic resilience. Ghana’s success in leveraging TVET to drive economic growth in the agricultural sector serves as a model for harnessing vocational training for targeted industrial advancement.
Furthermore, Morocco’s forward-thinking TVET initiatives have led to significant advancements within the automotive sector, aligning with the ambitious goals set out in its Vision 2030 strategy. With a clear focus on becoming a global leader in the automotive industry, Morocco’s government has implemented a comprehensive action plan to enhance TVET in tandem with industry demands. Through key partnerships, Morocco has cultivated a skilled workforce equipped to meet the intricate requirements of the automotive sector. This deliberate collaboration has led to increased production capacities, elevated export potential, and a surge in job opportunities, all of which are in line with the goals of Vision 2030. By bridging the gap between vision and execution, Morocco’s TVET initiatives have not only strengthened its position in the automotive market but have also demonstrated the tangible economic benefits of strategic vocational training. Today Morocco’s automotive industry is the 1st exporting sector, 1st manufacturer on the continent, +147,712 Jobs created from 2014 to 2019, and 7 billion EUR export turnover in 2021.
Finally, TVET has been instrumental in driving industrialisation in South Africa, particularly within the renewable energy sector. Amidst the backdrop of persistent social challenges, the South African government’s commitment to industrialisation has driven the implementation of TVET projects tailored to address the country’s unique needs. Collaborative partnerships have not only empowered disadvantaged communities but also fostered a skilled workforce capable of driving the renewable energy sector’s expansion. These initiatives have not only contributed to cleaner energy sources and environmental sustainability but have also created +12,000 new jobs a year. South Africa’s strategic fusion of TVET projects with a commitment to social progress underscores the pivotal role of vocational training in achieving inclusive development.
The collective endeavours to bolster TVET for industrialisation in Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa illuminate striking commonalities, reinforced by their resolute commitment to sustainable economic progress. Each of these nations has strategically tailored their TVET initiatives to address a specific industrial sector: Morocco’s automotive manufacturing, Ghana’s agriculture, and South Africa’s renewable energy sector. This sector-specific approach ensures that TVET programs cater precisely to industry needs, cultivating specialised skills that fuel sectoral innovation and growth.
Crucially, all three countries place a premium on collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders. These encompass educational institutions, industry leaders, and government entities. This collaborative framework facilitates comprehensive skill development, tapping into industry insights to equip the workforce with relevant expertise. Moreover, the governments of Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa share a visionary approach that thoughtfully integrates social and economic considerations. Acknowledging that effective TVET implementation transcends addressing skills gaps, these governments factor in broader societal challenges such as unemployment and sustainable development in their strategies.
Lessons from TVET Foundations in Industrialised Nations:
The experience of most industrialised countries indicates that part of their success was achieved through massive investment in developing human capacity, with a particular focus on technical skills that are relevant to industry. Inspired by TVET models in industrialised countries, this section explores the strategies and principles that have underpinned their success. Instances drawn from Germany’s dual education system, the collaborative efforts between industry and academia in South Korea and Japan, and Singapore’s workforce adaptability serve as valuable reference points for African nations aspiring to strengthen their own TVET systems.
Therese Moyo highlighted five core lessons in her paper “Development of Human Capital for Industrialisation: Drawing on the Experiences of Best Performers”, published in the African Development Journal.
- A notable lesson emerges from the recognition of the paramount role of a capable state in offering visionary and authoritative guidance for a transformative approach to skill development. Across all four countries, governmental involvement played a central role in the establishment of an education and skills foundation that precisely matched the demands of the industrial sector.
- Particular emphasis has been placed on the integration of theoretical learning into practical application, facilitated by a meticulously crafted, well- funded vocational education and training system. This approach guarantees the cultivation of a workforce equipped with the requisite technical competencies demanded by the industry.
- The pivotal importance lies in the creation of a collaborative ecosystem involving diverse stakeholders from the public, private sectors, and academia. This collective effort ensures the identification of industry-specific skills required (demand) and the provision of services for nurturing human capacity development (supply side), an indispensable factor underpinning successful outcomes.
- The establishment of a tertiary education system with a robust foundation in science, mathematics, and technology education, of both domestic and international caliber, contributes to a holistic approach to skill development.
- It is paramount to point out the significance of adapting a national strategy to the local context, even if such adaptation may initially appear politically challenging. Notably, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea adeptly harnessed foreign direct investment (FDI) to support their skill development strategies, particularly during their early stages, until they had successfully cultivated their local capacities.
The lessons garnered from the TVET foundations of Japan, Germany, South Korea, and Singapore exhibit remarkable similarities to the TVET experiences of Ghana, South Africa, and Morocco. The importance of a strong government-led vision and leadership in driving transformative human capacity development is evident in successful cases. These advanced countries prioritised tailored education and skills training aligned with industry needs. Additionally, the collaboration of multistakeholder actors from the public, private sectors, and academia to bridge the gap between industry demand and skills supply has proven to be a common key to success.
While these lessons hold valuable insights for African countries, there are also notable gaps to consider. The availability of resources, funding, and infrastructure in the advanced countries far exceeds those in the African counterparts. The adaptability of strategies to local contexts is also a challenge, as African nations may face unique social, economic, and political dynamics that demand innovative approaches. Collaboration among stakeholders may be hindered by factors such as lack of coordination and insufficient private sector engagement.
Despite these gaps, the success stories of industrialised nations bring out the transformative potential of effective TVET initiatives and provide a roadmap for African nations to strengthen their own TVET systems and foster sustainable industrialisation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This section offers actionable recommendations for various stakeholders to collaborate in advancing TVET as a cornerstone for industrialisation.
- To African governments
Based on the success stories of previous countries, a clear schematic emerges as evidence to consider in pursuit of industrialisation. Looking at the policy frameworks, governments should collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders, including industry leaders and educational institutions, to develop comprehensive and flexible policies that align with the evolving needs of industries. These policies should prioritise the integration of practical skills and real- world application within the curriculum, fostering industry-relevant training. This is where service- learning can be a powerful tool to foster real-world settings. Through service-learning projects, TVET students collaborate with community organisations, businesses, or local industries to address real challenges and provide solutions. This direct interaction with actual scenarios not only enhances their technical proficiency but also cultivates problem- solving, communication, and teamwork skills. By immersing TVET students in service-learning experiences, institutions can ensure that their education is not confined to the classroom. This approach nurtures well-rounded professionals who can seamlessly transition from the educational environment to the world of work, equipped with both technical competencies and a deep understanding of their societal impact.
In terms of funding, governments can explore diverse sources such as public-private partnerships, international grants, and dedicated industry funds. By allocating a percentage of industry revenues or establishing TVET-specific levies, sustainable funding can be ensured. One concrete example of a TVET- specific levy that has shown success in Africa is the “Skills Development Levy” implemented in South Africa. This levy is a statutory requirement where employers contribute a percentage of their payroll towards skills development initiatives, including TVET programs. The funds collected are used to support the training and upskilling of employees, with a particular emphasis on addressing skills gaps in the workforce. While this levy has yielded positive outcomes in promoting skills development,
it’s important to consider potential drawbacks. One potential inconvenience lies in the administrative burden it places on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Compliance and administrative costs associated with calculating, collecting, and reporting the levy can be challenging for some companies. Moreover, striking a balance between the levy rate and the affordability for businesses, especially during economic downturns, is critical to prevent financial strain.
Moreover, the establishment of quality assurance mechanisms is key. It is imperative for governmental bodies to establish regulatory entities entrusted with the task of evaluating and accrediting TVET institutions in alignment with industry benchmarks. This meticulous oversight guarantees the dispensation of superior education and training. These mechanisms should encompass a cyclical process of ongoing evaluations, active participation from industries, and steadfast protocols for continuous enhancement. By doing so, the enduring relevance and efficacy of TVET programs can be assured, thereby bolstering the overall workforce readiness and alignment with market demands.
Finally, the engagement of organisations like WorldSkills can play a significant role. Collaborating with WorldSkills allows governments to tap into a global network of expertise and best practices, enabling the sharing of insights, training methodologies, and benchmarking opportunities. WorldSkills competitions can also inspire and motivate students, showcasing the value of TVET in various industries and fostering a culture of excellence.
- To private sector
The private sector’s active participation in driving industrialisation is fundamental, and specific actions can solidify their role in this endeavour. Firstly, a deep understanding of their responsibility towards industrialisation is essential. Recognising their relevance in shaping economic growth, companies should align their strategies with sustainable development goals and prioritise investments that contribute to the overall industrial advancement. Partnering with TVET institutions is a strategic move, involving consistent collaboration to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. Offering input on curriculum development ensures that educational programs remain relevant and up-to-date, reflecting the evolving needs of the workforce.
In addition, the private sector can establish apprenticeship programs that provide hands-on experience and cultivate skilled workers for the future. Simultaneously, supporting scholarship initiatives enables talented individuals from rural or remote areas to access TVET education, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the industrial landscape.
- To civil society
Civil society can undertake specific actions to drive positive change in TVET. Civil society organisations can leverage their platforms to disseminate information, highlight success stories, and showcase the tangible benefits of TVET in fostering employability and economic growth. Advocating for policy reforms is another significant action. By engaging with policymakers, civil society can influence the development of favourable policies that support TVET expansion, funding, and quality enhancement. Furthermore, facilitating service- learning projects and community engagement in TVET programs is vital for their sustainability. Civil society can organise workshops, seminars, and outreach programs to involve local communities in shaping the content and direction of TVET initiatives. This approach not only fosters ownership but also tailors’ programs to address specific community needs and aspirations.
- To development agencies
To maximise the impact of the investment of development agencies, they should undertake concrete actions aimed at strategic and effective assistance. First of all, placing emphasis on selecting the most suitable technical partners that bring high value to the TVET programs is necessary. Partnering with organisations renowned for their dual expertise in education and industry is imperative. By joining forces with these reputable entities, which excel in curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and seamless industry integration, becomes a cornerstone for guaranteeing the triumph of capacity- building endeavours. This strategic collaboration brings together the best of both worlds, harnessing their combined knowledge to drive the success of initiatives aimed at enhancing skills development. Secondly, development agencies can support research focused on assessing the effectiveness of TVET programs. By funding rigorous studies that evaluate learning outcomes, employment rates, and industry relevance, agencies can contribute to evidence-based improvements and informed decision-making.
CONCLUSION
TVET stands as the linchpin for Africa’s journey towards sustainable industrialisation. By embracing the recommendations and solutions proposed in this article, African nations can leverage the transformative power of skill development and technical training to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create a brighter future for generations to come. A concerted effort from governments, the private sector, development agencies, and civil society is essential to unlock the full potential of TVET and pave the way for Africa’s industrial renaissance. The rule of law, functioning institutions, macroeconomic stability, and equitable and efficient fiscal systems are all essential elements towards industrialisation without which long-term and inclusive growth will remain out of reach.
References
- African Development Bank Group. (2019). “Creating Decent Jobs: Strategies, Policies, and Instruments.”
- African Union Commission. (2020). “Africa Youth Decade Plan of Action (2009-2018) Evaluation Report.”
- African Union. (2006). “African Youth Charter.”
- African Union. (2007). “Strategy to Revitalize Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Africa.” Addis Ababa: African Union.
- Development of Human Capital for Industrialisation: Drawing on the Experiences of Best Performers, Theresa Moyo
- Ghana Skills Development Initiative (GSDI) project
- Ghana TVET Policy
- ILO. (2019). “Women and Men in the Informal Economy: A Statistical Picture.” International Labour Organization (ILO). (2020). “Global Employment Trends for Youth 2020.”
- Ministry of Education and Technical Education
- Ministry of Food and Agriculture – Ghana
- Moroccan Ministry of Education – TVET Program
- Moroccan Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade, and Digital Economy
- Morocco’s Automotive Industry Development Strategy
- Morocco’s Industrial Acceleration Plan
- South Africa National Development Plan 2030
- South Africa Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme
- Roles of TVET in industrialisation and economic development of Nigeria, Okorieocha Christopher Ndudi
- Skills for industrialisation in sub-Saharan African countries: why is systemic reform of technical and vocational systems so persistently unsuccessful? Stephanie Allais South African Department of Higher Education and Training – TVET Strategy
- TVET Egypt
- UNESCO’s TVET Programs in Ghana
- UNIDO’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme in Egypt
- UNIDO’s TVET Initiatives in Morocco
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2020). “Africa’s Youth and COVID-19: A Generation at the Brink.”
- United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). (2019). “Africa Sustainable Development Report 2019.”
- World Bank. (2018). “Preparing Africa’s Youth for the Future of Work.”
- World Bank’s TVET Investment Project in Ghana