TVSD in Specific Contexts

The development of relevant skills facilitates the application of new technologies, increases individuals’ employability and enterprises’ productivity and competitiveness. Nevertheless TVSD by itself is not sufficient. To be fully effective, it needs to form part of integrated policies directed at economic growth and employment. An understanding of some of the socioeconomic contextual issues under which skills development is carried out in Africa is essential. To this effect, the issues of youth unemployment, the fragile nature of some states in Africa and migration require special attention. Indeed, African countries are confronted with the challenge of increasing productivity while at the same time absorbing the growing share of unskilled unemployed youth; or recreating human capital in fragile contexts in order to prevent further social conflicts, as well as retain the educated young people and skilled professionals needed for their development.