President John Dramani Mahama has expressed the need for Africa to prioritize technical and vocational education as a critical step toward equipping the continent’s youth with the skills required for industries of the future.
He underscored that the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents a unique opportunity for Africa to bypass traditional development hurdles and position itself as a global economic force.
He was speaking at the Africa Prosperity Network Dialogue 2025, where he stressed that Africa does not need to reinvent the wheel but should rather leverage emerging technologies to drive transformation. He pointed out that digital advancements have the potential to boost financial inclusion, enhance public service delivery, and create new economic opportunities for millions across the continent.
To achieve this, he called for an aggressive expansion of internet access and digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide. Strengthening FinTech and e-commerce, he noted, would facilitate trade and economic participation, empowering businesses and individuals to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of investing in research and development to nurture homegrown innovations that can propel Africa’s industrialization. With a strategic embrace of digital transformation, he stated, Africa can enhance its global competitiveness and secure a prosperous future for its people.
His remarks come at a time when many African nations are exploring policies to integrate technology and vocational training into their education systems, recognizing the need to align workforce skills with the demands of the evolving job market.