SASASNET Launch Initiative to Boost Skills and Apprenticeship in Sub-Saharan Africa

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Sub-Saharan African Skills and Apprenticeship Stakeholders Network (SASASNET), has taken a significant step towards upgrading skills and formalizing apprenticeships across the region.

The network, which was officially launched in Abuja yesterday, aims to address the disparity in skills development between English-speaking and Francophone countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A recent issue that SASASNET highlighted was the engagement of 11,000 skilled workers from India by the Dangote refinery, while local youths from Nigeria and other African countries were left out.

According to the network, this decision was due to a lack of adequate skills among Nigerian youths, making them ineligible for the positions.

To tackle such challenges and ensure equitable opportunities for employment and skill development, SASASNET called for the development of national skills qualification frameworks in each African country.

This framework aims to facilitate labor migration within the continent and promote the exchange of skills and expertise.

The initiative to establish SASASNET gained momentum after a Regional Workshop held in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, earlier in the year.

The workshop, organized by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the World Bank, and the Government of Benin, brought together stakeholders who recognized the urgent need for collaboration between governments and the private sector to enhance apprenticeship training in Sub-Saharan Africa.

By formalizing informal apprenticeships and upgrading skills, SASASNET aims to bridge the skills gap and create a skilled workforce that can drive economic growth and development in the region.

The network’s efforts are expected to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for the Sub-Saharan African countries involved.