African Union Warns of Threat to Skill Revolution

 By Nankwanga Eunice Kasirye

African leaders are warning that the continent’s lofty dreams may not be realized without a determined focus on information and communication technology (ICT), skills development and innovation.

Speaking during the opening session of the 10^th edition of  eLearning Africa conference, H.E. Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasized that the African Union’s dreams of catalyzing an education and skills revolution are not going to be easily realized, unless the current creative and innovative capacities are properly harnessed.

He says that there is an abiding imperative for Africa to foster innovation and creative technologies as the basis for advancements in ICT and sustainable economic development.

 It is the duty of governments, the private sector and all segments of society, to participate actively in maximizing the use and application of ICTs to create competitive, knowledge economies, as well as economies of impetus. This will create the foundation of gainful capital in human resource development.

The Deputy Chair also made reference to the African Union’s Pan African University Program which demonstrates the practical efforts being undertaken by the Commission, to facilitate and implement Africa’s collective aspiration for meaningful development underpinned by rapid transformations in science, innovation, research and technology-driven education.

Ministers meeting at eLearning Africa’s Round Table for African ICT and education ministers earlier also warned that ICTs were central to growth and African governments needed to do more to mainstream them, particularly in the education system.