By GhanaNewsPage 
The Deputy National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Osman Ayariga has urged African leaders to address the numerous concerns of the youth.
He made the call in an address to the Africa Union in Adiss Abba, Ethiopia.
The conference was under the theme “Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future”.
He said, “Across Africa, the voices of young people reflect a common dream—access to quality education that empowers them to secure meaningful and rewarding careers. They are ambitious and driven by dreams of contributing to their communities and creating better lives for themselves and their families. Education, for many, is seen as the bridge to these aspirations.
Ösman Ayariga noted that, “However, along with these dreams come significant concerns. Many students worry about the rising costs of education and whether they will be able to access the resources needed to complete their studies. For those who do graduate, the path to finding a job that aligns with their qualifications and ambitions is fraught with difficulty. Far too often, we hear the same stories of graduates who, despite their hard work and dedication, struggle to find employment in a saturated labor market.”
He therefore called on African leaders to act now.
“We must bridge the gap between the hopes of our youth and the realities of the job market by reforming our education systems to be future-fit, equitable, and responsive.
Read full speech below:
Speech delivered by OSMAN ABDULAI AYARIGA – Speaking on behalf of African Youth and All African Students Union at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at a conference under the theme “Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future”.
It is a rare privilege to stand before you today, not only as a Youth Activist but also as a former President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS). My journey as a student leader and now as someone actively engaged in youth development has given me deep insight into the hopes, aspirations, and challenges that young people face across Ghana and the African continent in general.
It is in this dual capacity—as a former national student leader and a youth advocate—that I have the honor of addressing you today.
The topic we are discussing could not be more timely or relevant. As someone who has long been involved in the student movement, I have had the privilege of listening to the dreams and concerns of countless young people, all striving for a better future. Today, we stand at the crossroads of immense opportunity and unprecedented challenges as we look to shape the future of work for our continent’s young people.
Youth Aspirations: Hopes and Concerns
Across Africa, the voices of young people reflect a common dream—access to quality education that empowers them to secure meaningful and rewarding careers.
They are ambitious and driven by dreams of contributing to their communities and creating better lives for themselves and their families. Education, for many, is seen as the bridge to these aspirations.
However, along with these dreams come significant concerns. Many students worry about the rising costs of education and whether they will be able to access the resources needed to complete their studies. For those who do graduate, the path to finding a job that aligns with their qualifications and ambitions is fraught with difficulty. Far too often, we hear the same stories of graduates who, despite their hard work and dedication, struggle to find employment in a saturated labor market.
The Mismatch Between Expectations and Reality
There is a growing sense of disconnect between what young people expect from their education and what the realities of the job market present. As Africa’s labor markets evolve, the skills that employers demand are not always reflected in the curricula of many of our higher educational institutions. While students are learning theoretical knowledge, they often find themselves unprepared for the demands of an economy increasingly driven by technology, innovation, and digitalization.
This mismatch creates a troubling gap—a gap that not only frustrates the hopes of young people but also limits their potential contribution to the continent’s economic growth. In many cases, it is not a lack of talent or ambition that holds our youth back, but the lack of opportunities to develop and apply future-ready skills.
Bridging the Gap: Building a Future-Fit Education System :
To close this gap, we must reimagine and reform Africa’s higher education systems to become more responsive, equitable, and aligned with the demands of the future of work.
Curriculum Reform and Industry Collaboration :
First, we must reform our curricula to better align with the evolving needs of the job market. This requires greater collaboration between educational institutions and industries. Universities and colleges must engage with employers to identify the skills they are looking for and adapt their programs accordingly. Courses should not only impart theoretical knowledge but also equip students with practical, hands-on skills that they can immediately apply in the workforce.
Emphasizing Vocational and Technical Training :
We also need to recognize the value of technical and vocational education. For too long, vocational training has been undervalued, yet it holds the key to providing young people with practical skills for industries such as manufacturing, construction, and Information Technology by promoting these fields as viable and respected career paths, we can equip a generation of young Africans to fill critical gaps in the workforce and drive innovation in emerging sectors.
Preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution :
As the world embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, African students must be equipped to participate in the global digital economy. Digital literacy and technological skills, such as coding, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, must become a central part of our educational systems. By investing in these future-ready skills, we can prepare our youth to take advantage of opportunities in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and digital entrepreneurship.
Policies for Equitable Access to Education :
Lastly, we must ensure that our education systems are equitable and inclusive. Access to quality education should not depend on a student’s economic background. Governments must invest in educational infrastructure, ensure affordable tuition, and create policies that provide opportunities for students from all walks of life to succeed. This is especially critical as we strive to build education systems that not only cater to the elite but serve all young people, regardless of their circumstances.
A Call to Action :
The future of work in Africa is full of potential, but to unlock this potential, we must act now. We must bridge the gap between the hopes of our youth and the realities of the job market by reforming our education systems to be future-fit, equitable, and responsive.
Africa’s young people are resilient, creative, and innovative. They are ready to lead the continent into the future, but they need the right tools and opportunities to do so. Let us work together—governments, educational institutions, the private sector, and civil society—to create an environment where our youth can thrive and contribute to the prosperity of our continent.
The Youth of Africa are ready for the future