LUSAKA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Wednesday urged African countries to undertake an overhaul reform agenda in various sectors including education and skills training in order to align school curricula at both primary and tertiary level with market needs.
Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said African countries should also undertake reforms in the apprenticeships, internships and on-the-job training programs to ensure that the programs provide practical experience.
"Over time Zambia, like many other African countries, has seen an increase in the gap between the skills provided by the education system and the skills demanded by employers. Africa's education system, including Zambia, has continued to produce graduates that are lacking the practical skills needed by the current labor market," he said in remarks delivered at this year's Chief Economists of Government, an annual forum convened by the World Bank with an objective of strengthening knowledge-based support in policymaking in African countries.
The theme for this year's meeting is, "Job Creation in Africa: Constraints and Policy Options."
He said job creation in Africa faces several challenges that need to be addressed, including the rapidly growing young population, which has generated a significant demand for jobs. Unfortunately, the current job market is struggling to keep up.
The Zambian minister urged African countries to strengthen policies that encourage regional trade and economic integration with the sole aim of creating larger markets and enhance job opportunities across borders.
According to him, the objective of enhancing job creation in Africa will only be attained when countries harmonize their regulations and standards to facilitate business operations and investment within regional blocs.
Africa, he added, needs to pursue policy options that are promoting industrialization and diversification in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and service. ■
