• The AU launched the “Decade of Education and Skills Development 2025–2034” in Addis Ababa, aligning education with labor market needs.
• Six new strategic frameworks include CESA 2026–2035, STISA 2025–2034, and a continental skills assessment framework.
• Nearly 10 million young Africans enter the labor market annually, while 23.2% of those aged 15–24 are neither in education, employment, nor training.

The African Union (AU) has declared 2025–2034 the Decade of Education and Skills Development as the continent faces a widening skills gap. The announcement came on October 1 in Addis Ababa, during the Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education and Development (PACTED 2025).

The AU said the initiative aims to accelerate education system reforms to better match labor market needs. It unveiled six strategic frameworks, including the new Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2026–2035), the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (STISA 2025–2034), and a continental skills assessment framework.

The program promotes an integrated approach that links training, research, and innovation. It seeks to strengthen teacher capacity, modernize curricula, and expand technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The AU urged member states to align their national plans with these frameworks, with a focus on governance, financing, and measuring learning outcomes. A continental mechanism will monitor implementation through periodic evaluations.

According to the World Bank’s Africa’s Pulse 2023 report, about 10 million young people enter Africa’s labor market each year, while 23.2% of those aged 15–24 are neither employed, in education, nor in training. The AU said this imbalance curbs productivity and undermines the continent’s demographic dividend. It stressed that the new decade aims to close the skills-employment gap by making education a driver of competitiveness and sustainable growth.

The announcement extends the CESA 2016–2025, which laid the groundwork for stronger regional cooperation. The AU said it intends to consolidate these achievements and mobilize greater support from public and private partners.

Momentum will continue at the second edition of Africa Skills Week, scheduled for October 13–17, 2025 in Addis Ababa. Governments, businesses, donors, and development partners will debate financing for skills, digitalization of training, and the promotion of technical careers.

This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum