Nairobi: The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to implement workplace-based training to improve the employability of young people across Africa. Mr. Dela Gadzanku, Vice President of AGI in charge of SMEs, emphasized the importance of making such training a standard practice due to its potential to drive socio-economic development in the region. His remarks were made during the 2026 International Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where he participated as a panelist.
According to Ghana News Agency, the conference, themed 'Skills that Work: Advancing Industry-TVET Collaboration for Sustainable Skills and Global Competitiveness,' attracted over 500 participants from 20 countries. Attendees, including government officials, private sector representatives, academics, TVET practitioners, and civil society organizations, engaged in discussions on how to fortify public-private partnerships to align training programs with employer needs and foster job creation.
Mr. Gadzanku, addressing the sub-theme 'Strengthening Industry-TVET Partnerships for Labour Market Relevance and Incentivization,' highlighted the necessity of closer collaboration between industry and TVET institutions. He stressed that such cooperation is vital to ensure graduates acquire practical skills that meet the evolving demands of the labor market. He urged SMEs to offer more opportunities for young people to gain hands-on workplace experience, which would help bridge the gap between academic training and employment.
Mr. Gadzanku also encouraged TVET graduates to consider entrepreneurship as an alternative employment pathway. He urged them to explore entrepreneurial opportunities using the innovative products and solutions developed during their training. The AGI is set to launch the AGI Nkabom Job Portal, a platform designed to connect its members directly with job seekers and contribute to addressing youth unemployment.
He emphasized that sustained engagement among employers, training institutions, and policymakers is crucial for effective industry-TVET partnerships, ensuring that skills development aligns with economic needs. Other panelists included representatives from the Kenya Employers Association, Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and GIZ Senegal.