Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, has stressed that Africa’s development is heavily reliant on prioritizing technical and vocational education and training (TVET). He emphasized that without a robust focus on TVET, the continent’s potential for growth would remain limited.
During a visit to Ghana’s Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Prof. Belhocine remarked, “No country can progress without making TVET a top priority at all educational levels.” He added that skills development—from basic to advanced techniques in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies—must be at the heart of Africa’s strategy for progress.
Prof. Belhocine is in Accra to participate in the Africa Skills Week Conference, where he expressed concern about the insufficient attention TVET receives across the continent.
Africa Skills Week’s Importance
The AU Commissioner underscored the timely nature of the Africa Skills Week Conference, calling it an essential milestone in the continent’s educational roadmap. “This event ticks an important box on our agenda, and with the strong participation and well-curated program, we are making meaningful strides toward enhancing TVET in Africa,” he stated.
Prof. Belhocine also praised Dr. Adutwum for his collaborative efforts and commended all stakeholders and sponsors for their collective work to support Africa’s TVET transformation.
Commitment to Education in Ghana
Dr. Adutwum commended Prof. Belhocine’s educational leadership in Africa, noting that support for educating Africa’s youth also advances global development. He highlighted how African students, when supported, contribute to developed economies, benefiting both their home countries and the broader world.
The Minister expressed gratitude to President Nana Akufo-Addo for his unwavering commitment to education, particularly in advancing TVET. Dr. Adutwum highlighted Ghana’s investment in new TVET schools, which are being constructed with the goal of matching the quality of those found in developed nations like the United Kingdom.
He assured that these new schools will be fully equipped to provide high-quality, hands-on training to prepare Ghanaian students for the workforce of tomorrow.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Education for TVET, Prof. Kingsley Nyarko, and Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, Director General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).
