Makerere University in collaboration with UNESCO hosted a two-day Campus Africa workshop focused on addressing key challenges in youth education, skills development, and entrepreneurship across Africa. It brought together representatives from six different universities which included Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Busitema University, Kisii University, University of Toliana, and University of Dar es Salaam. The event aimed to craft innovative solutions and pilot programs to equip young people with skills that are relevant to the employment market.
The workshop held from 11-12 November 2024 served as a collaborative think tank, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and building actionable plans. This demonstrated the strength of regional partnerships and the ability to adapt to challenges while focusing on long-term goals for youth empowerment. Day one started with two presentations on studies that were conducted on youth skills development and research mapping. The participants delved deep into the outcomes of the study and shared recommendations.
Based on the outcome of the two studies, participants were tasked to propose two key pilot programs of certificate-level courses that would address critical needs in Africa and develop a harmonized Implementation Strategy for universities in Eastern Africa. The two identified priority areas for intervention included water resources and Artificial Intelligence. The pilot programs will focus on practical, hands-on education including mentorship, internships, and partnerships with industry to ensure relevance and impact. The participants reconvened for a half-day session on the second day to finalize recommendations for the pilot programs.
“One very clear thing is that we need programming that offers more hands-on exposure and enhances entrepreneurial skills of the youth within their respective areas of specialization observed Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Okello the Dean School of Engineering in her remarks during the workshop.
As Makerere University continues to lead efforts in innovation and education, the outcomes of this workshop represent a significant step towards addressing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurial growth among the youth in Africa. Such activities are key in promoting all SDGs and more specifically SDGs 4, 8 and 9.
By Denise Kazooba