By Salisu Sani-Idris
The Sub-Saharan Africa Skills and Apprenticeship Stakeholders Network (SASASNET) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the skilled workforce needed to drive infrastructure development across Africa.
The Continental Chairperson of SASASNET, Prof. Idris Bugaje, stated this on Tuesday at the network’s third Annual Regional Conference on Quality Skills Development and Apprenticeship and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was, ” Scaling Apprenticeship for Decent Work in Quest for Quality Skills Development in the Informal Economy. “
Bugaje, who is also the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), said Africa must reduce its dependence on imported skilled labour for major projects on the continent.
According to him, the continent cannot achieve meaningful development without investing in the training and upskilling of its youth.
“For example, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery engaged about 11,500 Indians during its construction. Dangote is currently building another refinery in East Africa, and I hope such a situation will not be repeated.
“We must produce the skilled manpower needed to deliver infrastructure projects across the continent. That is why SASASNET is advocating the upscaling of skills development in Africa,” he said.
Bugaje stressed the need for African countries to strengthen regional integration and protect their socio-economic and political interests.
“We must open our doors to one another. Xenophobic attacks across the continent will not solve Africa’s problems.
“We need to support one another and invest in skills development so that Africa can reclaim its rightful place in global development.
“The foundation for achieving this lies in empowering and upskilling young people across the continent, and that is what SASASNET represents,” he said.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of SASASNET, Mr Ousman Sillah, said the organisation was established to address workforce challenges facing African countries.
“SASASNET is designed to bridge existing skills gaps and strengthen workforce development across the continent.
“With the support of member countries and development partners, we are committed to addressing Africa’s workforce challenges,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State commended SASASNET and its partners for convening what he described as a timely and important conference.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, Sani said Africa’s future would depend largely on the quality of its human capital.
“The future of Africa will not be built by natural resources alone. It will be built by skilled workers, innovative entrepreneurs, capable technicians and empowered young people,” he said.
NAN reports that SASASNET is a regional organisation inaugurated by Vice-President Kashim Shettima on July 23, 2023. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)