THE Africa Universities Summit in Kigali: Broad Discussions on Education and the Role of TVET

The Times Higher Education (THE) Africa Universities Summit in Kigali serves as a critical platform for participants to explore various educational issues affecting the continent.

One of the featured discussions, entitled “Policy in Practice: Unlocking Africa’s Rising Youth Potential through United Leadership,” was moderated by Nick Davis, President of TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION for the Middle East and Africa.

The session was not only focused to address not the challenges of TVET but also the broader implications for higher education and research.

Malek Kochlef, Director General of International Cooperation at the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, opened the dialogue by emphasizing the interconnectedness of TVET, higher education, and research. He pointed out that these three pillars are essential for developing human capital in Africa. “We should not dissociate them,” Kochlef stated, urging participants to consider the societal demand for graduates and the necessity of equipping them with entrepreneurial skills to create their own job opportunities.

Kochlef also stressed the importance of analyzing the economic factors that influence educational outcomes. He noted that while Africa is experiencing economic growth, the drivers behind this growth often rely on the export of natural resources, leaving low-value activities within the continent. To change this dynamic, Kochlef argued for a stronger focus on human capital development through quality education in fields such as renewable energy and information technology, which could leverage Africa’s abundant resources for higher-value production.

Darius Ogutu, Director for Higher Education at Kenya’s Ministry of Education, echoed this sentiment by highlighting the alarming statistic that a significant number of young Africans are not engaged in employment, education, or training after secondary school.

Ogutu pointed out that TVET programs are widely accessible and can offer graduates faster pathways to employment than traditional university degrees, especially for the emerging Generation Z, which seeks diverse educational approaches and opportunities for retraining throughout their careers.

Echoing Ogutu’s focus on the critical role of TVET, Edward Kadozi, Director-General of the Higher Education Council in Rwanda, emphasized the need to rethink educational strategies for the youth who do not pursue traditional university pathways. He stated, “If 70% go to universities, what happens to the remaining 30%?” Kadozi highlighted that countries investing in TVET have begun to see improvements in employment figures, particularly in addressing the issue of informal labor and the need for both technical and soft skills.

The summit participants collectively acknowledged the necessity of improving the quality of TVET and collaboration with industry to ensure employability.

Kadozi raised concerns about the educational infrastructure and teaching methodologies currently in place, arguing that Africa’s industrialization requires a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the market. The discussions ultimately envisioned a roadmap for integrating TVET with technological advancements and workforce needs, reinforcing that strategic investment in education is essential for sustainable economic growth in Africa.

the THE Africa Universities Summit has emerged as a vital forum for addressing the multifaceted challenges of education on the continent. While the importance of TVET was not neglected, the conversations also underscored the need for comprehensive reforms in higher education, entrepreneurial training, and research innovation, all aimed at fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving Africa’s economic future.