Transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Africa: A Key Driver of Sustainable Economic Growth

Strategic Insights -

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana's education minister, emphasizes the crucial role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in fostering innovation, employment, social mobility, and entrepreneurship, which are vital drivers of sustainable economic growth. Despite facing challenges such as high costs, public misconceptions, and difficulties in aligning training with industry needs, Ghana is committed to reforming its TVET system. Botswana's proactive approach through the Human Resource Development Council is cited as an inspiration, demonstrating a strong commitment to reform and innovation. Ghana's efforts to transform its education landscape include the establishment of three new Technical Universities focusing on Digital Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, and Applied Healthcare Sciences.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ghana's education minister, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, emphasizes the importance of TVET in driving sustainable economic growth, innovation, employment, and social mobility.
  • TVET has historically faced negative perceptions and limited government investment due to high costs, public misconceptions, and difficulty in aligning training with industry needs.
  • Ghana is reforming its TVET system, with the establishment of three new Technical Universities and the creation of the Ghana TVET Service and Commission for TVET (CTVET).
  • Industry-led sector skills bodies have been established to ensure curricula is responsive to labour market needs and aligned with environmental, social, and governance principles.
  • TVET enrollment has increased dramatically, from approximately 42,000 students in 2018 to over 235,000 in 2024, highlighting growing recognition of vocational training's role in national development.
  • The Minister urged governments, private sector actors, and educational institutions to collaborate in strengthening TVET systems and called for greater support for young women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated trades.
  • Assistant Minister for State President Ms Maipelo Mophuting emphasized the pivotal role of TVET in transforming young people from waiting for jobs into job creators and described it as Botswana's tool of resilience.

Statistics:

  • TVET enrollment increased from approximately 42,000 students in 2018 to over 235,000 in 2024.
  • The establishment of three new Technical Universities in Ghana focuses on Digital Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, and Applied Healthcare Sciences.
  • 100 millionaires are envisioned to be generated from Ms Mophuting's constituency through vocational training, property access, and a mindset of ownership.

Sources:

  • Ghana education minister, Mr Haruna Iddrisu (as quoted)
  • Human Resource Development Council of Botswana (as mentioned)
  • Ghana TVET Service
  • Commission for TVET (CTVET)