World Bank to host 4-day Skills for Jobs Policy academy in Nairobi

The World Bank Group is set to host a four-day Africa Skills for Jobs Policy Academy in Nairobi to tackle the continent’s growing youth skills crisis.

The event will run from September 30 to October 3, 2025, and will bring together senior policymakers, World Bank task team leaders, and private sector representatives.

Discussions will focus on emerging skills demands in key sectors such as agribusiness, energy, health, manufacturing, and tourism.

Organised in partnership with the Government of Kenya and the Inter-University Council for East Africa, the academy will also mark the official launch of the African Continental TVET Strategy 2025–2034.

“The Skills for Jobs Africa Policy Academy brings governments, industry, and development partners together to co-create solutions and reforms that will lay the foundation to ensure a bright future for Africa’s youth and future generations,” World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Ndiame Diop said.

More than one million youth enter Africa’s labour market every month, yet many lack job-relevant skills.

According to the World Bank, up to 86 per cent of available jobs are in the informal sector.

Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa, noted that weak industry linkages, poor foundational skills and fragmented training systems are some of the barriers holding back young people.

“Africa’s youth need hands-on and quality technical and vocational education to thrive in a rapidly changing labour market. TVET can be a catalyst for economic growth and social inclusion when aligned with industry demands,” he said.

The Academy will also highlight the impact of global megatrends such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, climate change and green skills on the future of work, while pushing for inclusive, demand-driven and high-quality training systems.

More than 250 participants from over 20 African countries are expected to attend.