We must overhaul Educational System and prioritise Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Panellists

Panellists discussing the future of work, Africa’s development, and youth empowerment have called for a complete overhaul of Africa’s educational system to integrate entrepreneurship and innovation, in order to create sustainable jobs and meet current labour market demands.

They agreed that the existing system — heavily focused on certificates and degrees, with little emphasis on job creation, innovation, and skills development — fails to make education a catalyst for development and long-term growth.

The panellists, Dr Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Resident Representative in Zimbabwe; Dr Joseph Attah-Mensah, Senior Fellow at the African Centre for Economic Transformation; and Ms Tiekie Barnard, Founder and CEO of the Shared Value Africa Initiative in South Africa, were unanimous in their view that Africa’s educational system must undergo radical change.

The discussion, which formed part of the third edition of the “Fireside Conversation” organised by the Africa Future Leaders Institute of Global Affairs (AFLIGA), provided a platform for in-depth analysis of education, sustainable job creation, self-employment, entrepreneurship, and security across the continent.

The session was moderated by Dr Emmanuel Dei-Tumi, Founder and CEO of AFLIGA.

Dr Ayodele Odusola observed that the continent’s lack of progress stems from its failure to harness the potential of its youth.

He emphasised the need for a complete transformation of the educational system, shifting focus from the mere acquisition of degrees and certificates to practical, skills-based learning.

He advised that young people and graduates should be exposed to entrepreneurship and vocational training.

“We must leverage the capacity of Africa’s youth and graduates for the future of work by prioritising skills development, data management, and artificial intelligence. We must invest heavily in young people so they become assets instead of security threats,” he said.

Dr Odusola stressed that Africa “needs an education that is fit for purpose.”

Dr Joseph Attah-Mensah also argued that young entrepreneurs should be given incentives to create employment opportunities.

He said such incentives must be merit-based and gender-inclusive, adding that both government and industry must work together to support young innovators.

Ms Tiekie Barnard, for her part, said the current generation of African youth is already demonstrating leadership, resilience, and innovation.

She cautioned that the real threat to the continent lies in the refusal to invest in young people, stressing that development in the modern age “no longer belongs to degrees and certificates, but to creative thinking, innovation, and adaptability.”

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