There is a critical need to address the existing mismatch between current curricula and the skills required by the job market to fully realize the AfCFTA initiative.
It is true that education in Africa has advanced significantly from the 19th century to the 21st century. The number of Africans who are literate has notably increased, with more than 15 million Africans graduating from universities annually, nevertheless;
Numerous African graduates face challenges securing employment, as only a minority manage to land jobs. Many of these unemployed graduates lack the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's heavily technologically driven 21st century. Consequently, there's a pressing demand for African education to transition from its current emphasis on theory to a more practical approach, particularly focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and life skills development. Adopting this approach will equip Africa to produce individuals who are well-suited for the demands of the modern era.
Therefore, leveraging African Philanthropy, which has historically addressed root challenges in various sectors such as Education, Health, and public services, presents a unique opportunity to bridge the existing skills and knowledge gap in the age of science and technology. Initiatives like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs and driving economic growth, hold immense potential in creating a generation of Africans ready for the challenges of the 21st Century.