By Ifeanyi Odoh
East Africa is region known for its rich cultural heritage landscape and vibrant economies. From the rolling savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania to the magnificent peaks of Ethiopia and the pristine beaches of Seychelles, it is a land like no other.
2024 was year that was marked by exciting growth in key industries such as ICT. In fact, East Africa’s data centre marketplace is poised to become a major force in the coming years with Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia emerging as hubs for digital innovation, driven by investments in cloud services, AI, and e-commerce.
Moreover, the region’s is not limited to technology with countries such as Kenya key infrastructure challenges and grid infrastructure development, meeting the needs its rapidly urbanising population.
In a recent meeting by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the organisation emphasised the youth’s central role in shaping the continent’s future. Held in New York, US, the “Transforming Africa with Youth-Driven Solutions” meeting saw the ECA calling for concerted efforts to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth for sustainable growth.
“Africa’s youth are not just the future; they are the present driving force of our continent, and they must have a decisive role in shaping our pact for the future,” said the ECA.
It is undoubtedly a strong sentiment, and re-emphasises why, with one of the youngest populations globally, East Africa has the demographic advantage that can fuel its economic engine.
Indeed, by 2035, a significant percentage of the global workforce will come from Africa. This youthful workforce is undoubtedly an important asset which is why unlocking its potential requires targets skilling and preparation.
Meeting digital and other skills requirements
As mentioned, East Africa is undergoing significant technological advancement driven by developments such as AI. To keep pace, the region must equip its youth with the skills needed to thrive in this growing marketplace. Here, skills development and training programmes are essential to ensure the workforce is ready for the continent’s next evolutionary phase, if you will.
Furthermore, the integration of technology into traditional industries, alongside the development of labour-intensive activities, will help reduce unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth. Here are some important considerations for the coming years:
Skills development: The World Economic Forum (WEF) notes that up to 50% of Africa’s future jobs will require digital skills. Initiatives like the Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Digital Masterplan. and Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 aim to close the skills gap.
Labour-intensive industries – focusing on sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction can absorb large segments of the workforce. For instance, agro- processing has the potential to create millions of jobs while enhancing food security.
Addressing youth unemployment – in East Africa, youth unemployment rates vary significantly; encouraging entrepreneurship, supported by access to capital and training, can drive job creation and economic diversification.
Sustainability is often seen as an exclusively environmental endeavour; however, true sustainability also focusses on people. East Africa’s growth must ensure that individuals remain at the centre, fostering opportunities across the economy and prioritising social equity.
A prime example is Schneider Electric’s Access to Education program which aims to develop careers in the Energy field through partnerships with TVET Institutions deploying up to date equipment and curricula. Such programs have seen employers seeking qualified, skilled and market ready students hired and immediately deployed for work assignments.
The output from such training programs is also evident in the recently launched laboratory at the PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute where students from the institution were able to develop a 10kVA solar-biogas hybrid renewable energy system. This system will be used by the institution converting waste to energy promoting energy saving while promoting impact learning to the students.
The writer is the Country President, Schneider Electric East Africa