This report explores the readiness of five African countries - Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Tunisia, and Uganda - to integrate vocational subjects into secondary education. The study highlights the demographic advantage of Africa's young population and underscores the importance of secondary education in unlocking the continent's potential.
The report reveals that while reforms have led to an increase in schools and learners, access to vocational subjects remains low, ranging from 2% to 10% of secondary school learners. Key barriers include a limited number of schools offering vocational subjects, lack of qualified vocational teachers, and inadequate infrastructure and resources.
Highlighted initiatives include competency-based curricula in Kenya and Uganda, and separate academic and vocational curricula in Mauritius. The report recommends establishing more vocational schools, developing teacher training programs, and improving facilities and resources. It also suggests leveraging existing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) funds for secondary vocational education.
The report concludes that although there is significant potential for vocational education in Africa, achieving success requires improved awareness, fulfillment of policy commitments, and targeted funding and investment strategies.