The document presents an analysis of national education and training schemes from 18 African countries. The compendium aims to enhance vocational skills and employment prospects for young people in Africa. It builds on the 2016 compendium, incorporating new insights from the 2016 Abidjan Experts Seminar and the 2015 Kigali Ministerial Conference. It underscores the transition from the education-training continuum to an education-training-work continuum, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these components in various scenarios.

It explores five thematic areas for integrating education and training systems: socio-economic-focused basic education, pathways to skills training, formal and informal remediation schemes, reformed apprenticeships, and mixed curricula at secondary school levels. It highlights weaknesses in TVET provision, including poor quality, disorganization, and regional disparities. To address these weaknesses, a strategy focuses on increasing access to vocational and technical schools, reducing disparities through infrastructure development and scholarships, and aligning training with economic needs. National TVET Commission is proposed for improved management and resource utilization.

The goal is to address the high number of young people outside traditional education and training systems and improve their employment outcomes. Detailed country reports provide a cross-analysis of these thematic areas, offering recommendations for policy and practice improvements.