Intl Conference on Economics, Finance & Business, Prague

THE ROLE OF TECHNICAL ACADEMIES IN FOSTERING INNOVATION AND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

BRUCE KIBLER, NATALEE STINEBISER

Abstract:

Sub-Saharan Africa is at a critical juncture in its developmental trajectory, with a pressing need to bridge the skills gap and empower its burgeoning workforce. The region has experienced significant demographic shifts, with the working-age population increasing more than two-fold in the next 30 years (Winthrop, 2022). However, reports from organizations such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the United Nations have shown that traditional education systems often fail at providing the necessary skills and training required by the rapidly evolving job market (World Bank, 2021; African Development Bank, 2019; United Nations, 2020). It is crucial for sub-Saharan African governments to address the skills gap to empower innovation, technological adoption, and human and environmental development. Technical academies can serve as a solution for bridging this skills gap by offering specialized training programs aligned with the needs of the region, thus equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge relevant to the modern workforce. By emphasizing experiential learning and practical experience, technical academies can empower students to become proficient in agriculture, renewable energy, and engineering – all of which are crucial for enhancing employability and cultivating a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-empowerment (United Nations, 2017). The implementation of technical academies also promotes inclusive development throughout sub-Saharan Africa by providing accessible educational opportunities to un- and underrepresented communities, therefore reducing inequalities and improving quality of life. Technical academies contribute to economic growth by producing a skilled workforce that will strengthen local industries, attract investments, and foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem (United Nations, 2016).

Keywords: Sub-Saharan Africa Skills gap Technical academies Inclusive development Economic growth

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