The World Bank has called for urgent reforms in education and skills development systems to address labour market gaps and support job creation across Africa.
Mr Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director of the World Bank Group, said the global economy was facing a growing skills crisis, with many young people entering the workforce without the competencies required in technology-driven and evolving industries.
Speaking in Accra, he noted that Africa’s fast-growing and youthful population positioned the continent as a key driver of future global growth, but warned that skills mismatches continued to limit employment opportunities.
Mr Donohoe said while millions of young people were expected to join the labour force in the coming years, many were not adequately prepared for available jobs due to gaps in education, practical training and industry alignment.
He highlighted that although about three million formal jobs are created annually in Africa, between 10 and 12 million young people enter the labour market each year, leaving a significant employment gap.
According to him, the challenge is not only about creating jobs but also improving productivity and earnings, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and small enterprises where most people are engaged.
He identified weak alignment between academic training and industry needs, lack of practical experience and limited foundational skills as key barriers to employment and business growth.
Mr Donohoe urged young people to focus on developing critical skills such as problem-solving, communication and adaptability to remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
He also encouraged greater participation in emerging sectors such as digital services, agribusiness and green energy, which offer significant opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation.
The World Bank, he said, is prioritising investments in education and skills development to strengthen human capital and support economic transformation across developing countries.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry to ensure training programmes reflect real market demands.
Mr Donohoe reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting countries, including Ghana, to build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, productivity and long-term economic growth.
He expressed optimism that Africa’s development would be powered by the innovation and resilience of its young population if the right investments in skills and education are made.
