By 2020, 250 million Africans will be between 15 and 24 years old. Africa’s challenge is not only to create jobs fast enough to keep pace with this population growth but also to equip everyone with the skills to join a productive workforce.

“The education system needs to build skills in traditional professions—such as teachers, nurses and lawyers—and in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Also urgent is the need to develop skills for micro, small and medium enterprises”.

For the African Development Bank (AfDB), one of the Operational priorities in its 10 year-strategy is to develop skills and technology. “The AfDB will create a Governance Framework to support education, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship. The Bank will strengthen scientific research and innovation through African networks of excellence. It will help create dynamic innovation networks with global links and develop mentorship programs (using the diaspora) to prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs”.

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