2nd Africa Skills Week 2025

23 Sept

Driving Africa's Industry: Skills for Growth and Lasting Progress

At The Better Futures Foundation, we recognise that unlocking Africa’s demographic dividend requires innovative approaches to transforming livelihoods and expanding access to meaningful work. Our mission centres on delivering evidence-based solutions that equip young people with the skills they need and create dignified employment opportunities that inspire them to build futures within their own communities.

Working hand in hand with governments, philanthropic organisations, and private sector partners, we design programmes that address the root causes of forced migration. By fostering pathways to sustainable employment, we not only improve individual prospects but also strengthen local economies and social cohesion.

Our commitment to innovation propels us to continually refine our approaches—leveraging data, technology, and strategic collaboration—to scale what works. Through these efforts, we are planting the seeds for lasting change, ensuring that the next generation of Africans can thrive in their homelands and contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for the continent.13–17 October 2025 | African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Africa stands at a defining moment. With the world’s youngest population and vast economic potential, the continent’s future will be shaped by how effectively it develops the right skills for innovation, growth, and sustainability. That is why the Second Edition of Africa Skills Week (ASW) will take place from 13–17 October 2025 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Hosted by the African Union Commission (Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation – ESTI) in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia – Ministry of Labour and Skills, ASW 2025 builds on the success of its inaugural edition in 2024. This year’s theme, “Powering Africa's Industrial Future: Skills for Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability”, is both timely and urgent.

Why Africa Skills Week Matters

Africa Skills Week (ASW) is more than a conference—it is a continental platform for skills transformation. It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, educators, youth, and development partners to craft practical, forward-looking solutions to bridge the continent’s skills gaps.

With industrialization accelerating under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and with green and digital transitions reshaping the global economy, Africa cannot afford to lag behind. ASW 2025 seeks to ensure that the continent’s workforce is not only prepared for today’s jobs but also empowered to shape the industries of tomorrow.

Key Themes of ASW 2025

This year’s discussions will revolve around four interconnected priorities:

Strengthening skills for industrial growth and innovation – equipping young Africans with the competencies needed for emerging industries.
Enhancing inclusive, quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) – ensuring access for all, especially women and marginalised groups.
Fostering public-private partnerships and regional collaboration – building stronger ecosystems for sustainable job creation.
Leveraging digital and green technologies for workforce readiness – future-proofing Africa’s labour force for the fourth industrial revolution and the climate economy.

Event Highlights

Delegates can expect:

High-level policy dialogues and ministerial roundtables.
Interactive workshops showcasing innovative TVET models.
Youth-led sessions spotlighting Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
Networking spaces designed to catalyse collaboration between governments, industry, and development partners.

Expected Outcomes

By the close of ASW 2025, the event aims to deliver:

A renewed continental commitment to align skills development with Africa’s industrial and sustainability agenda.
Strengthened frameworks for regional cooperation under the AfCFTA.
Practical partnerships between governments, private sector actors, and training institutions.
Clear pathways for scaling up digital, green, and inclusive skills initiatives across Africa.

Betty Abeng https://betty@thebetterfuturesfoundation.org