The Ghanaian job market is rapidly changing, driven by technological advancements and shifting business demands. Climate change and the digital transformation will create new needs for the labour market. To remain competitive, workers need to continuously improve their skills, while technical, vocational, education and training (TVET) institutions need to align their training offer with the demands of the employers. Unfortunately, young people often still lack the required skills to find meaningful work. What TVET institutions are offering in terms of skills development is not always well aligned with the skills that are in demand.

This skills gap manifests itself in several ways:

• Practical Skills: An outdated TVET system may prioritize theoretical knowledge over practical skills, leaving graduates unprepared for the demand of the job market.
• Access: Many people, particularly those in rural communities, lack access to quality technical training and skills required for modern agriculture, manufacturing, and the service industries.
• Digital Literacy: rapid digitization of the economy demands digital skills that many people may not possess.
• Soft Skills Deficiencies: communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial for success in the workplace, but often overlooked in our traditional education systems.

With the right support, TVET can be an effective tool for closing the skills gap and prepare young people to succeed in the workplace by:

• Improving employability by equipping people with employer required skills.
• Upscaling worker efficiency and productivity, leading to higher output and economic growth.
• Encouraging creativity and problem solving to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Reducing poverty by empowering people to earn a decent income and improve their quality of life.

• Enhancing economic growth by developing a adequately trained workforce.

Skills and education are key elements of the Global Gateway Strategy and its Africa-Europe Investment Package, which underline the EU’s ambition to expand skills development opportunities to meet emerging needs for Africa’s economic and social transformation. The European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy is already contributing concretely to the EU-Ghana partnership, particularly in skills development initiatives.

For example—in true Team Europe spirit, the EU and Germany collaborate with Ghana to strengthen the country's TVET system and increase young people’s employability through a variety of initiatives, including the EU-Ghana Pact for Skills Programme. The EU-Ghana Pact for Skills Programme aims to contribute to Ghana’s transition to a smart, green, digitally based economy that will provide decent work for all. This demonstrates EU’s commitment towards improving skills development and closing the skills gap, and ensuring that Ghanaian youth are better equipped to adapt to climate change and benefit from the digital transformation.

Let us work together to bridge the skills gap and build a brighter future for Ghana’s youth.