African leaders commit inclusive job-creating economies

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, together with some 30 African leaders, have committed to ensure that economic growth in their countries would lead to a more inclusive economy.

This, they, said, would create jobs for the youth in the coming years.

The Agenda is a follow up to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Agreement on climate change and the African Union’s Agenda, 2063.

With French President, François Hollande, in attendance, development assistance amounting to 20 billion Euros to participating countries, by 2018, was pledged by France.

To this end, the Heads of State and Governments indicated that education and vocational training would be high priorities, as these will improve “human development and the integration of young Africans in the labour market”.

They, therefore, agreed to strengthen the management of education systems on the continent by focusing on quality, particularly by putting in place efficient training and assessment policies, as well as promoting top-quality vocational training.

An appeal was made to international partners to increase their support for the sectors of education and vocational training in Africa, and also for consideration to be given to modern, accessible and vocational content, which met the needs of the labour market.

The communiqué also touched on the importance of mobility and the movement of skills on the continent, in order to encourage economic dynamism and innovation.

In addition, the importance of innovation and digitisation to encourage the diversification of economies was highlighted.

Participating countries at the Summit also pledged to support incentive-based policies to facilitate innovation, including incubator and acceleration programmes for startups and clusters, as well as access to finance and investment capitals.

Credit: GNA