Goals
- Equip workforces with future-ready digital competencies.
- Promote responsible and ethical adoption of AI.
- Bridge the digital divide through inclusive training pathways.
Session Topics
- Building national digital skills frameworks
- AI literacy for non-technical professionals
- Cybersecurity essentials for small enterprises
- Leveraging big data for sustainable growth
- Public–private partnerships in digital upskilling
Target Audiences
Policy makers, digital learning providers, tech companies, educators, civil society organisations.
Expected Outcomes
- Wider adoption of AI literacy modules across sectors.
- Increased collaboration between governments and private sector on reskilling.
- Documented case studies on reducing digital inequality.
Green Jobs & Just Transition
Goals
- Support workers and communities during the shift to low-carbon economies.
- Promote sustainable industries that balance people, planet, and prosperity.
- Foster innovation in green vocational education.
Session Topics
- Skills development for renewable energy sectors
- Transition pathways for fossil-fuel workers
- Financing green job training programmes
- Circular economy skills and entrepreneurship
- Case studies on community-led just transition projects
Target Audiences
Labour organisations, environment ministries, renewable energy firms, NGOs, vocational trainers.
Expected Outcomes
- Expanded training curricula in renewable sectors.
- Policy briefs on just transition strategies.
- Cross-sectoral partnerships to fund green job creation.
TVET Modernisation & Apprenticeships
Goals
- Update technical and vocational education systems for the modern economy.
- Strengthen employer engagement in apprenticeships.
- Ensure quality assurance and alignment with industry demand.
Session Topics
- Digital transformation in TVET institutions
- Best practices in dual education systems
- Quality frameworks for apprenticeships
- Micro-credentials and modular training
- Partnerships with industry for curriculum co-creation
Target Audiences
TVET leaders, education ministries, employers, youth organisations, accreditation bodies.
Expected Outcomes
- Broader adoption of competency-based qualifications.
- New apprenticeship models piloted with industry partners.
- Actionable roadmaps for TVET digitalisation.
Entrepreneurship & MSMEs
Goals
- Empower micro, small, and medium enterprises to drive inclusive growth.
- Expand access to finance, mentorship, and markets.
- Promote entrepreneurship education across ecosystems.
Session Topics
- Digital tools for MSME growth
- Gender-responsive entrepreneurship programmes
- Innovation hubs and incubators
- Financing solutions for small business resilience
- Scaling MSMEs through regional value chains
Target Audiences
Entrepreneurs, business associations, financial institutions, accelerators, policymakers.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased MSME access to digital platforms.
- Documented examples of inclusive financing models.
- Enhanced cross-border trade opportunities for small firms.
Manufacturing & Industrial Skills
Goals
- Equip workers for Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Strengthen industrial resilience and competitiveness.
- Integrate sustainability into industrial skills training.
Session Topics
- Smart manufacturing and automation skills
- Reskilling for industrial digitalisation
- Sustainable production practices
- Workforce planning for advanced manufacturing
- Industry–education collaboration models
Target Audiences
Manufacturers, industry associations, engineers, unions, training institutions.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased adoption of digital training in manufacturing sectors.
- Industry commitments to sustainable upskilling.
- Practical tools for workforce transition management.
Agrifood Systems
Goals
- Modernise agricultural skills to ensure food security.
- Integrate technology and sustainability into farming practices.
- Enhance rural livelihoods through agribusiness training.
Session Topics
- Climate-smart agriculture skills
- Digital platforms for farmers and cooperatives
- Food processing and value addition skills
- Agribusiness entrepreneurship models
- Financing mechanisms for smallholder upskilling
Target Audiences
Farmers, cooperatives, agribusiness firms, rural development agencies, NGOs.
Expected Outcomes
- Expanded farmer adoption of digital agriculture tools.
- Strengthened value chains in agrifood systems.
- Policy commitments to support youth in agriculture.
Creative & Cultural Industries
Goals
- Harness cultural and creative industries for inclusive job creation.
- Strengthen digital distribution and intellectual property skills.
- Support creative entrepreneurship and cultural preservation.
Session Topics
- Creative economy as a driver of youth employment
- Digital skills for artists and cultural entrepreneurs
- Intellectual property management
- Cross-border collaboration in cultural industries
- Cultural heritage and tourism linkages
Target Audiences
Artists, cultural entrepreneurs, ministries of culture, NGOs, creative hubs.
Expected Outcomes
- Broader recognition of creative industries as economic drivers.
- Increased access of creatives to international markets.
- Development of IP training resources for creators.
Inclusion & Gender
Goals
- Advance gender equality in the future of work.
- Ensure inclusion of marginalised groups in skills programmes.
- Build frameworks for inclusive policymaking.
Session Topics
- Gender-responsive skills strategies
- Disability inclusion in vocational education
- Intersectionality in labour market access
- Youth empowerment through inclusive apprenticeships
- Data for inclusive policy planning
Target Audiences
Gender advocates, inclusion specialists, labour ministries, employers, NGOs.
Expected Outcomes
- Broader adoption of inclusive skills policies.
- Expansion of gender-responsive training initiatives.
- Strengthened monitoring systems for equity in labour markets.
Cross-cutting Outcomes
Across all tracks, participants can expect:
- Stronger partnerships linking policy, education, and industry.
- Actionable toolkits and frameworks for immediate adoption.
- Documentation of best practices and case studies.
- Enhanced capacity to design inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready jobs strategies.
How to Engage
Participants can:
- Choose their tracks based on professional interests or institutional priorities.
- Prepare pitches showcasing innovative projects, skills initiatives, or partnership opportunities.
- Engage in dialogue with peers across tracks to identify cross-sectoral synergies.
- Access resources and follow up through our Partners network.
To join, visit our Registration page. For questions, see Contact. Learn more about our broader mission on the Home page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the programme?
The programme centres on skills and jobs for the 21st century, spanning digital transformation, green transitions, inclusive growth, and creative industries.
Who should attend?
Policy makers, educators, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, youth organisations, and civil society actors.
How are tracks structured?
Each track combines goal-setting, knowledge sessions, case studies, and outcome-oriented discussions.
Can participants join multiple tracks?
Yes, participants can select multiple tracks or focus intensively on one.
What are the expected benefits for attendees?
Networking, access to global best practices, collaboration opportunities, and practical action frameworks.
Is prior expertise required?
No. Tracks are designed for diverse experience levels, from policymakers to entrepreneurs and learners.
How do I register?
Visit the Registration page to secure your place.
Who Will Attend?
The ASW is expected to draw the participation of African ministers responsible for TVET and other relevant ministries, heads of international development institutions, Regional Economic Communities and the private sector, academia, the youth and technical institutions.