UNECA’s Gatete on aligning Africa's education to drive economic development

Claver Gatete, the UN Deputy Secretary General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, recently sat down with CNBC Africa's Fifi Peters to discuss the crucial role that education and technology play in driving economic development in Africa. Gatete highlighted the importance of ensuring that learners are equipped with the necessary skills for the industry, addressing the continent's ongoing skills gap. He emphasized that industries, agriculture, services, and manufacturing sectors all require skilled individuals supported by science, technology, and innovation. Gatete stressed that these elements are not just enablers but also directly contribute to economic growth, urging the alignment of education systems with Africa's development needs. One key initiative discussed was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between UNECA and Google, aimed at fostering technology development in Africa. Gatete underscored the significance of partnering with leading tech companies to enhance infrastructure, skills, and applications like artificial intelligence, essential for Africa to keep pace with global advancements. Additionally, Gatete touched on the importance of financial investments in education, acknowledging the challenges of managing tight budgets. Drawing from his experience as a former Minister of Infrastructure and Finance, Gatete emphasized the need to prioritize technology and innovation in driving sustainable economic development. He emphasized that technology is not a choice but a necessity for progress, influencing the priorities of finance ministers across different governments. Gatete's insights shed light on the critical link between education, technology, and economic prosperity in Africa, urging stakeholders to prioritize investments in these areas for long-term growth and development.