East Africa, like many other regions in the Global South, continues to grapple with persistent high youth unemployment rates. Rapid population growth, a youthful demographic, and the mismatch between education outcomes and labour market demands continue to exacerbate the challenge. According to the “Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024” by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the youth unemployment rate is Sub-Saharan Africa, stood at 21.9% in 2023, higher than the global average of 20.4%, threatening socio-economic stability and growth in the region. In response, governments in East Africa are championing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a vital solution to equip youth with relevant skills to meet the demands of the labour market.
The Eastern Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), a collaborative effort of the World Bank and the governments of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, is at the forefront of addressing youth unemployment through TVET. The project focuses on improving access to and the quality of TVET education across the region.
The recently published Beneficiary Satisfaction Survey captures feedback from 2023 graduates of the Regional Flagship TVET Institutes (RFTIs) in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, supported by the project. The survey was commissioned to assess the impact of TVET education on graduate employability.
The survey revealed that there was 84% satisfaction rate among graduates, which demonstrates the project’s ability to meet the expectations of learners. Although slightly lower than the previous year’s 85%, this high satisfaction rate underscores the effectiveness of EASTRIP in delivering quality TVET education.
Graduates highlighted the practical learning experiences, competitive skills, and effective teaching methods as standout features of their training. They note that trainers were dedicated, qualified, and supportive in their teaching approaches. Access to quality materials, training facilities, and accommodation, also contributed to a positive learning experience. Graduates appreciated how their newly acquired skills enhanced their employability, enabling them to secure jobs or start businesses.
However, some graduates voiced dissatisfaction with insufficient practical training, inadequate resources, and, in some cases, poor teaching methodologies. Addressing these issues is critical to further improving the TVET experience. In addition, issues around teaching methodology and outdated infrastructure are concerns that require urgent action from technical and vocational institutions to maintain satisfaction levels.
One of the most striking findings from the survey is the marked improvement in graduate employability. The proportion of employed graduates rose from 41% in previous year to 58% in 2023, which shows the effectiveness of the training in meeting market demands.
The transport and logistics sector emerged as a major beneficiary, with employment rates surging from 38% to 68%. While male graduates continue to dominate in employability statistics, the program recorded an encouraging increase in female graduate employment, rising from 46% to 51%.
In addition to securing jobs, graduates reported higher income levels, which demonstrates the economic value of TVET education.
Employers also expressed high satisfaction with TVET graduates, with 86% affirming that the graduates have relevant competence and skills to succeed in employment. Notably, 88% of employers provided on-the-job training for graduates, which demonstrated a strong commitment to furthering their professional development.
The report recommends strengthening industry-aligned practical training, investing in educator professional development, upgrading resources and infrastructure, and optimizing funding and project design to align with institutional realities.
The EASTRIP project has proven to be a transformative initiative that has enhanced access to quality TVET education and promoting youth employability in East Africa. The high satisfaction rates among graduates and employers and the surge in employment figures underscore the program’s success.
As the region continues to grapple with youth unemployment, scaling up and refining support to TVET institutions is paramount. Initiatives such as EASTRIP can further bridge the skills gap, empower youth, and contribute to the economic transformation of East Africa. However, it requires concerted effort from governments, development partners, and the private sector to realize the dream of a skilled, employed, and economically empowered youth in East Africa.
The Writer is the Communication Specialist for EASTRIP at Inter-University Council for East Africa.
Original article has been sourced from EASTRIP
