Context

Africa has a young, dynamic  and rapidly growing population, representing a major lever for the continent's economic and social development. However, despite the expansion of higher education and technical and vocational training, unemployment and underemployment among young graduates remain a concern. This paradox highlights a persistent misalignment between university curricula and the real needs of the labour market, particularly in a context marked by digital transformation, industrialisation, the green transition and technological innovation. 

The ADEA 2024-2028 Strategic Plan calls for a profound transformation of African education systems to make them more resilient, inclusive, and focused on 21st-century skills. It places particular emphasis on: 

• Strengthening technical universities and polytechnic institutes, 
• Developing curricula focused on practice, innovation and employability, 
• Implementing skills development programmes on a continental scale, 
• And consolidating structured partnerships with the private sector. 

In this context, this webinar serves as a strategic platform for dialogue and co-construction, aiming to explore concrete and sustainable solutions to improve graduate employability, strengthen university entrepreneurship and accelerate the contribution of African talent to economic development. 

General Objective 

To contribute to the implementation of the ADEA 2024-2028 Strategic Plan by fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue on transforming university curricula and strengthening university-industry partnerships, in order to develop competitive, innovative African talent suited to the demands of the future world of work. 

Specific Objectives 

• To examine the role and responsibility of different stakeholders (governments, universities, the private sector) in developing skills relevant to the labour market; 
• To identify innovative approaches to designing curricula oriented towards skills, practice and emerging technologies; 
• To highlight effective models of university-industry partnerships that promote workplace learning, innovation and employability; 
• To propose avenues for action to strengthen entrepreneurship, professional integration and the economic impact of African graduates. 

Expected Outcomes 

• Strategic recommendations for the reform of university and technical curricula, centred on skills, innovation and practice; 
• A compilation of good practices regarding university-industry partnerships in Africa and beyond; 
• An operational roadmap for strengthening employability, entrepreneurship and innovation within higher education institutions; 
• Strengthened dialogue and collaboration between public decision-makers, universities and the private sector, in line with the directives of the ADEA 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. 

Target Audience 

• Public decision-makers and educational policy officials; 
• Leaders and lecturers from universities, technical institutes and polytechnics; 
• Private sector and industry actors; 
• Technical and financial partners; 
• Students, young graduates and young entrepreneurs.