Youth Investment Summit: The Road to Economic Growth

 

 

“The technical and vocational training of Africa’s youth will equip the private and public sectors with the skilled workforce needed to support their investments and enhance their operations.”
–Crispian Kirk, OIC International President and CEO

Over 200 government and business leaders, entrepreneurs, donors, and youth leaders, and community representatives convened at the La Palm Royal Hotel to examine the “how” for unlocking human potential in unemployed and underemployed youth throughout Africa.

“The youth have challenges and they are not prepared to listen to promises.”
-Baptista Sarah Gebu, Human Resource, OIC Ghana

 

 

According to the World Bank 200 million people in Africa are between the ages of 15-24.  The youth bulge in African countries, with over 60 percent of young people unemployed at 40 percent of the total population.

 

 

The African Union adopted a youth action plan in 2011 to address high youth unemployment in Africa (AU 2011).  Recommendations from the plan include stronger concentration on Technical and Vocational Education Training, also known as TVET.  As a leader in human development training and TVET for over 42 years, OIC International is convening this Summit in Accra, Ghana to facilitate stakeholders’ solutions on how to harness the youth bulge as a driver for economic growth.

“Investment in youth is a valuable investment in the future of our country… to the benefit of not only the individual but to the society as a whole”
– Hon. Nii Ashietey, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ghana

 

 

• Discussions between stakeholders about African youth’s place in the growing global economy
• Agreement that skills training – market-relevant education and entrepreneurship – are key to empowering and employing African youth
• Affirmation from the President of Ghana that the government is committed to ensuring youth are able to learn vocational skills and access credit
• Inclusion and engagement with youth on a policy and employment level

“Ghana is on the world stage and it’s ripe for investments”
-Crispian Kirk, President and CEO, OIC International

 

 

• Government of Ghana – Minister Ashietey announced the establishment of a Labour Market Information System in Accra. This system will:
  • Provide monthly information on job opportunities in Ghana
  • Collect data on employment rates throughout the country
  • Conduct and enforce workplace safety inspections and regulations
• OIC Ghana – Chairman Dr. William Bray confirmed OIC technical training programs have reached the 1,000 youths-per-year milestone
• OIC International – President Crispian Kirk reaffirmed the organization’s enduring commitment to empowerment programs in Ghana.

“Today OIC International is recognized as the premier model of excellence for youth training and development not only in Africa, but also throughout the Caribbean… OIC International has successfully built self-reliance and entrepreneurship through technical and vocational skills development.”
– Minister Nii Ashietey, on behalf of President John Mahama