EVBB Secretary General Stresses Need for Vocational Training, Skill Dev't to Youth in Africa

Addis Ababa, October 15, 2025 (ENA) -- There are immense opportunities in Africa for innovation and prosperity through vocational training and skill development tailored to modern labor market demands, European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) Secretary General, Theodor Grassos, noted.

Stressing the significance of Africa's youthful population and the current wave of investments across the continent, he told ENA that the youth can be trained to be active participants in the labor market with the right curricula.

 

“I don’t see a lot of challenges. The key is the energy we all must bring together to move forward,” he said.

Grassos underscored the critical need for equipping people with the skills necessary to support ongoing investments, noting that “people are, at the end of the day, the driving force for development.”

He described the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training's mission as connecting organizations and fostering collaboration between European, African, and Ethiopian expertise.

The association is working to renew educational curricula, issue new certifications, and prepare individuals for the workforce, it was learned. 

According to the Secretary General, enhancing vocational training would ultimately empower Africa’s youth to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.

On her part, Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer of the Cross-Functional Kryptr company based in Nigeria, Nwando Ogo,  emphasized the urgent need for cultivating a skilled workforce to drive the African businesses and economy.

 

Africa's youthful demographic embodies vitality, strength, creativity, and innovation, she added.

Furthermore, Ogo emphasized the need for intentional efforts to upskill the workforce, enabling young people to contribute effectively to industrialization and the green transition.

The nature of industrialization has evolved, shifting from traditional engineering to embracing digital technologies and artificial intelligence, she said, adding that Africa “must be aware of the relevant skills needed today and ensure that training initiatives align with these shifts”. 

Ogo observed that many young people feel pressured to enter the workforce without fully exploring their career aspirations, stressing the need to align educational systems from primary to tertiary levels with the demands of today's society.

She recommended the creation of supportive environments for the youth alongside educational curricula that prioritize upskilling without burdening young people with economic pressures.

In this regard, Ogo praised Ethiopia’s commitment to youth development and job creation, citing initiatives like the effort to connect job seekers with available opportunities, ensuring a better match between employer demand and ready-to-work talent.