Africa’s Workforce Could Become a Global Economic Power by 2050, Says Expert
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Three African business people sitting at table in casual business meeting. Businessman and businesswomen talking outdoors. Nigeria, Africa.
Africa’s youthful workforce could become one of the most powerful economic forces in the world by 2050, bridging labour shortages in ageing economies—but only if urgent investments are made in education and skills development.
This is the stark warning from George Asamani, Managing Director of the Project Management Institute (PMI) for Sub-Saharan Africa, who described the continent as not just the cradle of humanity but the ‘cradle of skills’.
“The continent is home to the youngest population in the world, a demographic trend that stands in stark contrast to the ageing and shrinking workforces in regions such as Europe, North America, and parts of Asia,” Asamani said in a statement.
However, he cautioned that unless Africa acts decisively, it risks wasting a historic opportunity.
“Without coordinated efforts, the continent risks missing out on a defining era—one that could determine whether its young workforce thrives or remains underutilised in a world that desperately needs its talent,” he said.
A workforce out of sync with industry demands
Citing the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, Asamani highlighted a growing challenge: Africa is not just grappling with unemployment, but a widening skills gap.
“The demand for skills in technology, engineering, artificial intelligence, and project management is rising globally, but Africa’s challenge is that by the time universities award degrees, industries have already evolved, technologies have advanced, and employer demands have shifted,” he said.
To address this, higher education must evolve beyond traditional degrees, integrating industry-aligned training, professional certifications, and skills-based learning that reflect market needs.
“This presents a unique opportunity for universities to enhance their relevance by partnering with organisations to offer globally recognised certifications to students before they graduate,” he added.
Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda leading the way
Some African nations have already begun aligning education with industry needs. Asamani pointed to universities in Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda, which have become authorised training partners for globally recognised project management qualifications.
However, he argued that such transformations must go beyond individual institutions and be embedded in national education policies.
“To equip Africa’s workforce with future-ready skills at scale, certifications must be embedded into national education policies as a formal pathway to professional competence,” he stated.
The role of government in driving skills development
Asamani urged governments to mandate that public projects—especially in infrastructure, technology, and energy—be managed by certified professionals.
“By making certifications a standard for procurement, governments can improve project outcomes, create demand for skilled professionals, and align public sector projects with global best practices,” he said.
He also called for subsidies and incentives for certification programmes in high-demand fields such as AI, cybersecurity, renewable energy, project management, and advanced manufacturing.
Africa must act now
“Africa now needs action,” Asamani stressed. “Governments, universities, and businesses must break old models, invest in skills, and build a workforce that not only participates in but also defines the future.”
With strategic investments in education reform, policy integration, and workforce development, Africa has the potential to transform its youthful population into a globally competitive advantage, he concluded.
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