Filling the Africa’s skills gap

The Sèmè City Development Agency in Benin is making waves in Africa by pioneering innovative ways to train the continent's new generation of talent, equipping them with the skills needed for the future. CNBC Africa's Kenneth Igbo more sat down with Claude Borna, the Managing Director at Sèmè City Development, to delve into the game-changing strategies being implemented. Borna highlighted the agency's focus on addressing the skills gap and mismatch in various industries, such as the digital economy, construction, and healthcare. One of the key initiatives of Sèmè City is the establishment of a school that offers a bachelor's degree in design, a first in the region. Borna emphasized the importance of nurturing talents in fields like design, digital design, artificial intelligence, and the creation of new materials to drive innovation made in Africa. By equipping individuals not only with technical skills but also soft skills, Sèmè City is paving the way for a new breed of professionals who can lead the transformation of industries within the continent. The agency is also fiercely committed to achieving gender parity in the workforce. Borna discussed the challenges faced in encouraging more girls to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by males. By starting interventions at a young age and engaging girls in technology and innovation programs, Sèmè City aims to shift the narrative and empower more female entrepreneurs. The ultimate goal is to have 40% of job creation at Sèmè City driven by female entrepreneurs, aiming for true gender parity despite the current figure standing below 20%. One of the biggest hurdles in revolutionizing Africa's skills development landscape, according to Borna, lies in changing mindsets and stereotypes. Entrepreneurship, in particular, faces a perception challenge, with few parents encouraging their children to pursue entrepreneurial paths. Sèmè City is working towards showcasing more successful female entrepreneurs as role models to inspire the next generation of innovators. By breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in entrepreneurship, the agency hopes to create a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for all aspiring professionals. Looking ahead, Sèmè City is eager to foster partnerships and collaborations beyond borders. While the agency is based in Benin, its vision extends regionally, with a keen interest in establishing a hub for innovation and skills development that transcends national boundaries. Borna emphasized the importance of connecting with other governments and private entities to amplify the impact of their programs and initiatives. By promoting cross-border cooperation, Sèmè City aims to create a network of success that benefits entrepreneurs, students, and researchers across the continent and beyond.