The administration of President Bola Tinubu, along with other African leaders, has been advised to look to China’s model of investing heavily in employable and monetizable skills among the youth as a pathway to boost Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This call for action was made during a recent training initiative organized by the Scholars International Institute of Technology (SIIT), a program aimed at equipping millions across Africa with vital technical skills that meet the demands of today’s global economy. The initiative highlights a pressing need for skills-focused programs that can lead to immediate employment or entrepreneurial opportunities, ultimately strengthening Africa’s economic standing.
Leke Oyetoke, founder of SIIT, emphasized the urgent need for African governments to tap into the potential of the continent’s large and growing youth population. “To increase the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, it is expedient that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and other African leaders emulate China,” he stated. According to Oyetoke, leveraging Africa’s youthful demographics through skill-based education can address unemployment, stimulate entrepreneurship, and elevate the continent’s economic resilience. He noted that China’s approach to skill development has shown measurable success, increasing productivity and economic growth by making youth employability a central government priority.
Oyetoke explained that SIIT’s mission is to support leaders in bridging the skills gap across Africa, particularly by focusing on self-employed, income-generating skills. He pointed out that the modern economy requires competencies that allow individuals to work independently or create their own businesses, a need that SIIT seeks to address through technical and digital skills training. The goal is to equip young people with the tools to not only secure employment but to thrive financially in an economy that increasingly values independent and innovative workers.
Programs like digital literacy and entrepreneurial training, Oyetoke added, are becoming essential in a globalized market that offers income opportunities in freelancing, startups, and remote work. Such training provides young Africans with the skills needed to compete and succeed in an interconnected world, where digital skills are paramount. He believes that as more African leaders recognize and invest in these skill sets, the continent can reduce unemployment rates and empower a generation of young entrepreneurs who can contribute significantly to economic growth.
By prioritizing investment in employable and monetizable skills, African leaders can unlock a tremendous reservoir of untapped talent across the continent. SIIT’s initiative serves as a model, underscoring the importance of skills that have both local relevance and global appeal. With a focus on fostering digital proficiency and entrepreneurship, African governments can position the continent as a hub of skilled, self-sustained professionals, driving economic resilience and fostering sustainable development.
