Report Identifies Youth Employability Skill Gaps

Stakeholders drawn from the job market and education sector met in a workshop organised by Corporate Career Academy (CAA) on Wednesday in Nairobi to discuss strategies of closing youth employability skills gaps in East Africa.

During the workshop, CCA released a report derived from the inaugural East African Employability Summit (EAES23) held last year.  The report highlighted measures that stakeholders in the job market and educational sector can adopt to make young people fit for the work environment.

Part of the solutions as contained in the report included embracing Artificial Intelligence in learning and Industry training as well as collaboration to harness the significant opportunities in the gig economy.

The report also recommended the establishing and equipping of campus innovation hubs to catalyse co-creation, entrepreneurship and start-up culture to spur self-employment.

Stakeholders also recommended the development of agile policy and governance in the era of uncertainty. “The government should create an enabling environment with soft legislation that does not discourage innovation”

Inspired by the success of the inaugural East African Employability Summit-EAES23 in November 2023, CCA announce that the second edition of the EAES24 will taking place at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, (CUEA), Karen Nairobi, from October 22-24.

“This year’s theme Building on the Gains; Closing the Youth Employability Skills Gap in EA, seeks to ride on the motion set in 2023. The summit is a ground-breaking platform converging diverse stakeholders to rethink the future of the EAC region in the heat of the unemployment crisis compounded by the youth bulge and employability skills disparities” Mr. Philip Pande, Executive Director, Corporate Career Academy (CCA) said.

“Today marks the beginning of a promising partnership between Daystar University and the Corporate Career Academy. This collaboration is more than just a partnership; it is a convergence of shared visions and goals. Together, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society,” Professor Faith Nguru, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research and Student Affair, Daystar University said, adding “Our joint efforts will undoubtedly open up new opportunities for our students, providing them with access to top-tier career development programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities. This partnership will bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that our graduates are not only well-educated but also industry-ready”

Unemployment especially among young Africans remains a thorn in the flesh of the continent’s economy. According to available data from World Africa Review, Africa continent leads the world with the highest unemployment rates. Unemployment leads to several adverse effects including increased mental health issues, crime rates, and economic challenges like inflation.