Investing in youth only way to boost growth

At the ongoing World Economic Forum in Rwanda leading economic experts are upbeat that the future belongs to Africa. But only, if Africa invests in its youthful population expected to hit 2.5 billion in 2015 and with the world's largest workforce by 2030.

To take its place, the continent must equip its population with education and prioritise skills development. And so calls for a review of the 8-4-4 system of education couldn't have come at a better time. The feeling is that the education being offered to the youth dwells more on theory rather than skills putting it out of sync with the ever-changing needs of the modern world.

Indeed, despite a majority of the youth having received some education of sorts, they still account for every sixth of the unemployed 40 per cent.

This could be due to lack of skills and the bias for white collar jobs when the job market can only accommodate a limited number, and even then, the favours those from elite institutions of learning. This is an imbalance that can be easily addressed through the acquisition of skills that would ensure self-sufficiency on the part of the individual.

Both the Vision 2030 and the new Sustainable Development Goals identify high quality education and training as a means to progress. President Uhuru Kenyatta said as much when he acknowledged that Vision 2030 will be powered by the Kenyan youth, but only if we are able and willing to harness their creativity, innovations and full potential.

No doubt, it is the power of innovation that will drive the economy. But this is not to downplay other critical factors like governance and the rule of law.

Research has shown that countries with jobless and disaffected youth are susceptible to violence and instability. That means the world is less better for as as the youth are not helped to get a foot on the career ladder.