NAIROBI, Kenya– Stakeholders from the job market and education sector convened in Nairobi on Wednesday for a workshop organized by the Corporate Career Academy (CCA).
During the event, CCA unveiled a report derived from the inaugural East African Employability Summit (EAES23) held last year, highlighting key measures to prepare young people for the evolving work environment.
One of the standout recommendations from the report is the integration of Artificial Intelligence in both learning and industry training.
By embracing AI, educational institutions and businesses can enhance the skill sets of young professionals, making them more adaptable and competitive in the job market.
Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of collaboration to tap into the significant opportunities within the gig economy, which offers flexible and diverse employment options for the youth.
To catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship, the report advocates for the establishment and equipping of campus innovation hubs.
These hubs aim to promote co-creation, entrepreneurship, and a start-up culture, ultimately spurring self-employment among young people.
Such initiatives are vital in an era where traditional job markets are saturated, and innovation is key to economic growth.
Stakeholders also underscored the need for agile policy and governance to navigate the uncertainties of the modern job market.
“The government should create an enabling environment with soft legislation that does not discourage innovation,” the report suggests.
This approach would ensure that new ideas and business models can thrive without being stifled by overly rigid regulations.
Inspired by the success of EAES23, CCA announced the second edition of the East African Employability Summit (EAES24), set to take place at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Karen, Nairobi, from October 22-24.
The theme for this year, “Building on the Gains; Closing the Youth Employability Skills Gap in EA,” aims to continue the momentum from 2023, providing a platform for stakeholders to rethink the future of the East African Community (EAC) region in the face of high youth unemployment and skills disparities.
Philip Pande, Executive Director of CCA, stated, “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.”
CCA has partnered with Daystar University to enhance career development opportunities for students.
Unemployment, particularly among young Africans, remains a critical issue. According to data from World Africa Review, Africa leads the world with the highest unemployment rates.
This situation exacerbates various socio-economic problems, including increased mental health issues, crime rates, and economic challenges like inflation.
The collaborative efforts highlighted at the workshop and the upcoming EAES24 summit represent a proactive approach to addressing these challenges.
