Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie Urges Industry-Led Skills Training to Tackle Youth Unemployment Across Africa
Speaking at the Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Dr. Wurie said Africa's growing youth population can only access dignified and fulfilling employment if education is designed in partnership with industry.
The Minister made the call while participating in the high-level panel discussion, "Powering Dignified and Fulfilling Work at Scale: Leadership Perspectives," alongside leading African policymakers and development experts.
Drawing on Sierra Leone's experience, Dr. Wurie showcased the government's ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the transition from education to employment. Central to her message was the concept of "Skills for Industry, with Industry," which encourages employers to help shape academic curricula, provide workplace learning opportunities, and become active partners in developing the future workforce.
"The labour market is constantly evolving; hence, our education systems must evolve with it," she said, adding that closer collaboration between educators and employers creates a direct pathway from classrooms to meaningful employment.
She highlighted Sierra Leone's dual apprenticeship policy, which enables students to gain practical workplace experience while improving their chances of securing employment after training. She also outlined reforms including demand-driven curriculum reviews, stronger private-sector partnerships, and the recognition of prior learning to help skilled workers in the informal sector obtain nationally recognised qualifications.
Beyond technical training, Dr. Wurie stressed the need to equip young people with critical soft skills, including communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, project management, and entrepreneurship, describing them as essential for success in a rapidly changing global economy.
The Minister reaffirmed her commitment to inclusive education by expanding opportunities for women in technical fields, supporting underserved communities, and leveraging digital technology to promote lifelong learning.
Calling for greater collaboration, she urged governments, industries, universities, development partners, and young people to work together in designing policies that respond to labour market needs.
Dr. Wurie also advocated for sustainable investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), arguing that long-term financing of skills development is critical to boosting productivity, industrialisation, and economic resilience across Africa.
She concluded by encouraging African nations to strengthen regional cooperation, share best practices, and jointly prepare young people for the future of work, reaffirming Sierra Leone's commitment to building an inclusive, demand-driven education system aligned with national development priorities.
Source: Ministry of Higher Education
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