In her keynote speech at the 2023 Learning and Development Africa Conference, Mawusi Nudekor, Director General of the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service, underscored the pivotal role of learning and development in Africa’s journey towards achieving both its development and sustainable development goals.
Emphasizing the link between education and economic progress, Ms Nudekor highlighted the importance of investing in education and skills enhancement as a means to empower African nations. Her remarks were delivered at the conference with the overarching theme, “Accelerating Africa’s Sustainable Development: L&D as a Catalyst to Africa’s Sustainability.” At the heart of her message was the integration of sustainability principles into learning and development practices across the continent. She posited that a sustainable future for Africa necessitates a steadfast commitment to education and skills development.
Furthermore, Ms Nudekor painted an optimistic picture of the future of learning and development in Africa. She contended that this future holds immense promise, contingent upon Africa’s willingness to embrace innovation, adaptability, and a lifelong learning ethos. Her assertion that the forthcoming landscape of learning and development in Africa will be inherently digital underscores the need for technological readiness in the education sector.
Margaret Jackson, the Convener of the Conference, echoed Ms Nudekor’s sentiments, stressing that learning and development initiatives have the potential to enhance trade readiness and facilitate market access for African nations, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Additionally, Mrs Jackson highlighted the far-reaching benefits of L&D, including increased innovation, greater technological adoption, workforce empowerment, and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The insights shared at the 2023 Learning and Development Africa Conference underscore the pivotal role of education and skills development in Africa’s sustainable development journey. As the continent embraces digital transformation and the opportunities presented by regional economic integration through AfCFTA, investing in learning and development emerges as a linchpin for a brighter and more prosperous Africa.
