Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), is urging African leaders to prioritize funding for education in science, technology, and innovation. This investment, he believes, will help create a skilled workforce that can compete globally and ensure the continent’s resilience.
In a speech at the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Accra, Mr Gatete emphasized the importance of equipping African youth with digital skills to prepare them for the future workforce. He called for incentives for the private sector to invest in educational systems to achieve this goal.
The theme of the meeting, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa,” focused on accelerating Africa’s integration agenda and promoting continental unity.
Despite financial challenges due to inadequate funding and high indebtedness, Mr Gatete highlighted Africa’s immense potential in terms of resources, energy, and a youthful population. He emphasized the need to transform education systems to harness this potential, integrate education into industrial policy, and prioritize science, technology, and innovation (STI) for development.
Mr Gatete called for increased investments in research and development, STEM courses, and connectivity in schools to bridge the digital divide. He stressed the importance of political will and smart allocation of resources to ensure that Africa’s youth are equipped for the workforce of the future.
