AGI urges SMEs to expand workplace training for youth in Africa
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), at the 2026 International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Nairobi, Kenya, called on small and medium-sized enterprises to introduce training directly in the workplace to improve youth employability in Africa. AGI Vice President for Small and Medium Businesses Dela Gadzanku said this approach should become the norm rather than the exception, given its potential for the socio-economic development of African countries, MyJoyOnline reports.
Cooperation between business and vocational education
The conference was held under the theme of developing cooperation between industry and the technical and vocational education system for sustainable skills development and global competitiveness. It brought together more than 500 participants from 20 countries.
Government representatives, the private sector, academia, technical and vocational education specialists, and civil society organizations discussed strengthening public-private partnerships. They addressed aligning educational programs with employers’ actual needs and promoting job creation.
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Practical experience and entrepreneurship
Gadzanku, who spoke on a panel about partnerships between industry and technical and vocational education institutions, stressed the need for closer cooperation. According to him, this will help graduates acquire practical skills that meet the changing needs of the labor market.
He also urged SMEs to provide young people with more opportunities to gain practical experience. In his view, this could reduce the gap between education at educational institutions and employment.
Gadzanku, who is also responsible for the AGI Youth in Business initiative, advised graduates to consider entrepreneurship as one of the paths to employment and to use products and solutions created during their studies. AGI is preparing to launch the AGI Nkabom Job Portal, which is intended to connect employers with job seekers and support efforts to tackle youth unemployment.
