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Reimagining Youth Skills Development for Africa’s Future

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3 years ago

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Youth Skills

The award-winning Africa Frontiers of Innovation series aims to inspire creative solutions to contemporary challenges on the continent

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 5, 2022/APO Group/ — 

Africa has the youngest population in the world, with almost 60% of people younger than 25. With high levels of unemployment and limited educational opportunities, how will these youth acquire the skills required to become powerful agents of change and the continent’s greatest asset? Transforming youth’s skills was the focus of the most recent Canon Africa Frontiers of Innovation.

Africa has the youngest, fastest-growing population in the world, with over 400 million people aged 15 to 35 years. Youth have the potential to be Africa’s greatest asset if they can acquire the skills required to make a meaningful contribution.

At the most recent edition of the Africa Frontiers of Innovation, presented by global imaging leader Canon (https://en.Canon-CNA.com/) Kenyan author of #YouthCan, Lizz Ntonjira and Nigerian youth advocate Dr Babangida Ruma joined moderator and broadcaster Victoria Rubadiri to unpack youth skills development in the region.

The award-winning Africa Frontiers of Innovation series aims to inspire creative solutions to contemporary challenges on the continent. “In the light of the recent UN World Youth Skills Day, we wanted to reimagine the future for Africa’s next generation,” said Mai Youssef, Corporate Communications Director at Canon.

Unemployment is one of the greatest challenges facing young people. According to the World Bank (https://bit.ly/3RzAxM2) North Africa and the Middle East are the regions with the highest youth unemployment. Further south, youth unemployment stood at 64 per cent (http://www.statista.com/) in South Africa in 2021.

COVID-19 has worsened the situation, disrupting education and training programs. It also caused enormous job losses which hit youth the hardest, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). Unemployment exacerbates the existing skills gap. “Without work, skills development opportunities are limited. The importance of finding ways to give young people work experience cannot be overstated,” stressed Rubadiri.

The digital divide is another factor; youth in communities with limited technology are being left behind. “For Africa to participate successfully in the fourth industrial revolution, our youth need digital skills and infrastructure,” said Dr Ruma. Despite the challenges, there are several viable options for youth to develop skills, including mentorship, public-private partnerships and leveraging available resources, including free training and awards programs.

Firstly, there was a resounding call to update education across the continent. “Some curricula are 30 years old, but jobs have evolved. We need to start nurturing these in-demand skills from a young age,” said Ntonjira. “Learners are led to believe if they study hard, they will get a good job when they leave school or university. Then, when they graduate and can’t find a job, they are told to become an entrepreneur, but they have not been taught any business skills.”

Mentoring is something Ntonjira is passionate about. She founded the Lizz Ntonjira Network (https://LizzNtonjiraNetwork.com/) to inspire youth and create more opportunities. “Apprenticeship and mentorship don’t happen enough on the African context.” Ntonjira challenged the business community to find ways to integrate young people and applauded the Canon Student Development Programme (https://bit.ly/3RDT3CS) which every year connects 100 aspiring image-makers – from Africa, the Middle East and Europe – with imaging industry leaders.

In the light of the recent UN World Youth Skills Day, we wanted to reimagine the future for Africa’s next generation

She advises mentees to be forthright. “Be proactive, seek out suitable mentors, learn from them and build connections.”

Public-private partnerships are effective. Canon’s Miraisha program is a good example; to date, it has trained more than 5,850 participants from poorly resourced communities in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana and the Ivory Coast, with practical, marketable imaging skills.

Hundreds of Miraisha graduates have secured jobs or paid commissions. Some have started their own businesses. Over 250 have received awards or industry recognition and 20 graduates are now employed by Canon as trainers. “Africa’s youth can play a key role in building businesses, creating jobs, providing value, and innovating – things which Africa desperately needs,” said Youssef. “Miraisha gives them the skills, resources and support to leverage the power of imaging and see their ideas come to life.”

It is one of many free or low-cost training opportunities. “Google provides quality digital skills training online for free,” said Dr Ruma, who founded the Digital Skills Bank to bridge the gap between job seekers and job providers. “Once completed, there are millions of opportunities out there for digital-savvy Africans.”

Ntonjira agrees, “Many people have achieved a lot with very little, simply using social media to create their own brands and content.” Overall, the importance was for young people to be proactive. “Do not be afraid to fail, it’s a learning lesson,” explained Ntonjira.

Canon remains deeply committed to developing young people in Africa. “Together with the world’s leading creatives, our partnerships and education programs connect, inspire, and empower. We work to provide skills and opportunities that change lives, the planet, and our future for the better,” said Youssef.

Canon’s Africa Frontiers of Innovation will explore a different contemporary issue each month. To join the conversation follow Canon (https://bit.ly/3cLv8CK) on LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3er7Liw) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CanonCNA).  

Click here to watch the full session- https://bit.ly/3RnVHNt

Panelists

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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