Ethiopia Reiterates Commitment to Skills Dev't, Empowerment of Youth

Addis A baba, April 30, 2025 (ENA)— Labor and Skills Minister, Muferihat Kemal, has emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to skills development and empowerment of youth as essential drivers of economic prosperity.

Speaking at the closing session of Innovation Africa 2025 in Addis Ababa today, the minister outlined the country's efforts to transform its technical and vocational training (TVET) system into an entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

 

According to her, these efforts involve embedding entrepreneurship education and training within TVET programs, equipping graduates with practical and sector-specific skills as well as the ability to identify business opportunities, launching enterprises, and generating employment.

"This investment in youth through targeted skills development is an investment in the nation's future, aligning with the broader African vision of inclusive economic dynamism and the motto of Skills-Led Job Creation in Ethiopia."

On his part, Ghislain Thierry Maguessa Ebome, Technical & Vocational Education and Training Minister of the Republic of Congo, said his country's focus is on the digital sector and employability within TVET reforms.

 

This includes accelerating digital competencies, promoting enterprise creation through initiatives like "One enterprise, one young person" and "Student and entrepreneurship," and facilitating professional internship for TVET students.

Somalia Labor and Social Affairs Ministry representative, Yusuf Mohamed Adan, elaborated on the establishment of a national employment center providing youth with training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, and an online job portal to enhance accessibility for job seekers.

He also mentioned the robust partnerships with the private sector through which over 1,300 youth are currently being trained in entrepreneurship and renewable energies.

 

The collective presentations from the African ministers underlined a continental recognition of the critical link between targeted skills development, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among youth, and achieving sustainable economic prosperity across the continent.