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Connecting higher education to the workforce: Highlights from the 2024 CFIT III Annual Project Meeting
The Forum gathered over 250 stakeholders from 35 African countries, including Ministers of Education, academics, youth representatives, experts, and private sector partners, to explore sustainable development solutions, with a focus on UNESCO鈥檚 鈥淐ampus Africa鈥 and the CFIT III project, which bridges the gap between higher education and the labour market in Africa.
Showcasing solutions for sustainable development in Africa
Held on the Forum鈥檚 second day, the CFIT III Annual Meeting featured presentations from 12 partner universities in C么te d鈥橧voire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda, showcasing flagship initiatives developed under the project. These initiatives aim to align academic programs with industry needs, improve student employability, and promote sustainability. The meeting also included a workshop on 鈥淕reening and Digital Transformation of Higher Technical Education,鈥 where panelists discussed sustainable and digital solutions in higher education aligned with global frameworks.
Speaking at the opening of the CFIT III Annual Meeting, H.E. Ms. Yang Xinyu, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the People鈥檚 Republic of China to UNESCO, highlighted the transformative potential of the project, 鈥淭he CFIT III project is closely linked to UNESCO鈥檚 Priority Africa Flagship Programme, Campus Africa. By tackling the potential of higher technical education, the project highlights the importance of strengthening university-industry partnerships, developing flexible learning pathways, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.鈥
Flagship initiatives in action
The 2024 CFIT III Annual Meeting highlighted a range of flagship initiatives developed by the CFIT III partner universities to strengthen the linkages between higher education and labour market needs, while fostering innovation.
For instance, C么te d'Ivoire launched a graduate-tracing platform and established partnerships with the private sector to provide work-based learning opportunities. Ethiopia introduced a curriculum framework informed by labour market analysis and established an industry advisory panel. Gabon created a training programme based on labour market analysis and developed a student-driven platform for graduate tracking. Other initiatives, such as Senegal鈥檚 Engineering university network, Tanzania鈥檚 Centres of Excellence, and Uganda鈥檚 development of micro-credentials for entrepreneurship, demonstrate how the CFIT III project supports aligning higher education with labour market demands, enhancing youth employability, and driving sustainable development across the continent.
Sustaining the impact: From project to policies
Following the presentations, university leaders and national focal points discussed integrating CFIT III鈥檚 achievements into institutional and policy frameworks. Policy-makers from the six countries shared insights on how the project is influencing national higher education strategies.
Key takeaways included strengthening university-industry collaboration, modernizing curricula to meet market needs, and establishing career hubs and Centres of Excellence.
Reflecting on CFIT III鈥檚 transformative role, Hon. Herv茅 Ndoume Essingone, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Gabon, stated, 鈥淭he CFIT III project is accelerating the transformation of Gabon鈥檚 higher education, and we aim to build on its lessons.鈥 Ms. Louise Haxthausen, Director of UNESCO鈥檚 Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa, added, 鈥淭he CFIT III project has not only equipped graduates with skills but also positioned higher education as a key driver of inclusive growth and social progress in Africa.鈥
The Ethiopian delegation echoed this vision, with H.E. Ato Kora Tushune, State Minister of the FDRE Ministry of Education, expressing hope that the project will transform the landscape of Ethiopian higher education in terms of skills development.
Looking ahead
The Annual Meeting highlighted CFIT III鈥檚 role in addressing skills gaps and positioning higher education as a driver of inclusive growth. Dr. Borhene Chakroun, Director of Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems at UNESCO, highlighted the project鈥檚 potential: 鈥淭he success of CFIT III demonstrates how targeted investment in higher education can address Africa鈥檚 labour market challenge while promoting sustainable development.鈥
As CFIT III enters its final year, the discussions at the meeting reaffirmed its role in strengthening institutional capacities and creating career opportunities for young people across Africa. The outcomes of the CFIT III Annual Meeting will inform ongoing efforts and future UNESCO initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education systems across the continent.
