The International Labour Organization explores how apprenticeships, work-based learning and collaboration between employers, workers and governments can help African youth transition from training to decent jobs.
Background: How Africa Can Bridge the Skills Gap
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is highlighting the importance of connecting education and skills training with real employment opportunities across Africa.
In Episode 95 of its Future of Work podcast, published on 12 October 2026, the ILO examines why many young Africans struggle to turn their training into jobs while employers continue to report difficulties finding workers with the right skills.
The discussion explores how work-based learning, apprenticeships and stronger cooperation between employers, workers and governments can improve the transition from education to employment.
The episode was released ahead of Africa Skills Week 2026 in Harare, Zimbabwe, which runs from 12 to 16 October 2026.
Key Issues Discussed
The podcast features Albert Rukeisa, Head of People and Organisation Development at the Association of Tanzania Employers, and Priyadarshini Gupta Quedou-Ramjeeawon, an Executive Member of the Mauritius Trade Union Congress.
Hosted by ILO Regional Communication Officer for Africa Anders Johnsson, the discussion focuses on several important issues affecting skills development across the continent.
1. Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeships
Work-based learning can help young people gain practical experience and understand the skills required in real workplaces. Effective apprenticeships can strengthen the connection between training institutions and employers.
2. Employer and Worker Participation
Employers and workers need a voice in shaping skills systems so that training reflects workplace realities and evolving labour market needs. Governments also have an important role in supporting effective training and employment pathways.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Changing Skills Needs
The conversation examines how artificial intelligence is changing the skills people need to succeed in an evolving world of work. Skills systems must respond to these developments while helping young people prepare for future employment opportunities.
4. Building Pathways to Decent Work
The wider objective is to help young people move from learning into meaningful employment while enabling businesses to access the skills they need to grow.
Why the Discussion Matters for Africa
Across Africa, improving the connection between education, training and employment remains an important development priority. Practical training, quality apprenticeships and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and businesses can help address skills mismatches.
The ILO discussion also highlights the importance of involving workers, employers and governments in designing skills systems that respond to changing economic conditions and technological developments.
These issues are particularly relevant as African countries seek to expand opportunities for young people and prepare their workforces for digital transformation.
Additional Information
Podcast: Future of Work, Episode 95
Episode title: How Africa can bridge the gap between training and jobs
Publisher: International Labour Organization (ILO)
Publication date: 12 October 2026
Duration: 22 minutes and 41 seconds
Featured guests: Albert Rukeisa and Priyadarshini Gupta Quedou-Ramjeeawon
Related event: Africa Skills Week 2026, Harare, Zimbabwe
Event dates: 12–16 October 2026
The episode is available through the ILO’s podcast channels, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and can also be watched on YouTube. The ILO provides additional resources on apprenticeships and skills development through its Africa Skills Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ILO podcast episode about?
It explores how Africa can improve the transition from training to employment through apprenticeships, work-based learning and stronger cooperation among employers, workers and governments.
2. Why are skills gaps a concern in Africa?
The discussion highlights a mismatch between the skills many young people acquire through training and the skills employers need in the workplace.
3. How can apprenticeships help young people?
Apprenticeships can provide practical workplace experience and help learners develop skills relevant to actual employment opportunities.
4. What role does artificial intelligence play in skills development?
AI is changing the skills required across the world of work. Training systems need to respond to these changes to help young people prepare for evolving employment demands.
5. Who participated in the ILO discussion?
The guests were Albert Rukeisa of the Association of Tanzania Employers and Priyadarshini Gupta Quedou-Ramjeeawon of the Mauritius Trade Union Congress. Anders Johnsson hosted the episode.
6. When was the episode published?
The episode was published on 12 October 2026 and runs for 22 minutes and 41 seconds.
7. What is Africa Skills Week 2026?
Africa Skills Week 2026 is a regional conference scheduled for 12–16 October 2026 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The podcast discusses skills development issues ahead of the event.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The ILO’s discussion highlights the importance of practical training, quality apprenticeships and cooperation between education providers, businesses and workers’ organisations. Improving these connections could help young Africans develop workplace-ready skills and access better pathways to decent employment.
Disclaimer: This article summarises information provided by the International Labour Organization. Opportunities Feed is not affiliated with the ILO.
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