Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is emerging as a central pillar in Africa’s development agenda as governments and development partners intensify efforts to equip the continent’s rapidly growing youth population with employable skills.
With more than 60 per cent of Africans, under the age of 25, and nearly 600 million expected to be of working age by 2050, experts say the continent’s economic prospects will depend heavily on its ability to convert this demographic surge into a skilled workforce.
According to Mr Sanjeev Mansotra, Chairman of Planet One Group, TVET now functions as a form of “talent infrastructure” that could shape Africa’s economic trajectory in the same way that railways once influenced global industrial growth.
In West Africa, several countries are already investing heavily in vocational education to address unemployment and bridge the gap between traditional schooling and labour market needs.
In Togo, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development has approved a €50 million line of credit to Planet One Education to support the construction of six modern vocational and technical training centres.
The facilities are expected to create thousands of training opportunities and contribute to the government’s broader development goals.
The renewed attention to TVET comes against the backdrop of a large informal sector, which currently employs more than 85 per cent of Africa’s workforce.
Although vocational training is often the most accessible pathway for many young people, a significant portion of existing programmes remain informal and unaccredited.
Stakeholders argue that this misalignment has contributed to the widening gap between student qualifications and industry demands, leaving many youth unemployed or underemployed.
Sector analysts note that modern TVET programmes provide practical, industry-relevant skills in fields such as ICT, manufacturing, construction, and green technologies.
As African economies seek to diversify away from dependence on raw commodity exports, TVET is increasingly viewed as a strategic tool for driving industrialisation and strengthening competitiveness.
Despite its potential, the sector continues to face challenges. Many training institutions struggle with outdated facilities, limited access to modern equipment, and inadequate funding for teacher development.
Shortages of qualified instructors, especially in technology-related disciplines, further affect training quality. Additionally, weak collaboration between training providers and industries often leaves graduates without exposure to real-world workplace needs.
Social perceptions which position vocational education as a “last resort” also impede enrolment.
However, some countries are recording significant progress.
In Ghana, recent reforms have modernised the TVET landscape through improved facilities, nationwide access and greater emphasis on digital skills.
Public–private partnerships now contribute to curriculum development, teacher training and industry alignment.
Data from Planet One Group indicates that TVET enrolment in Ghana increased by 193 per cent between 2020 and 2024, reflecting changing attitudes and renewed confidence in the sector.
Ghana’s advancements are influencing neighbouring countries, with ongoing initiatives in Togo and other ECOWAS states, highlighting a broader continental shift toward skills-based training. Development experts argue that such investments are crucial for reducing unemployment, expanding industrial capacity, and tapping into Africa’s demographic dividend.
As governments and partners scale up these efforts, TVET is increasingly being positioned not as an alternative to academic education but as a foundational element of Africa’s economic future.
About Planet One Group
Planet One Group operates across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with a focus on Education, Natural Resources, Trading and Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC).
The organisation partners with governments and communities to implement development projects aimed at promoting sustainable growth and improving livelihoods.
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The post TVET touted as key driver of Africa’s Economic Transformation appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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