In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, we are conducting a study titled “Building TVET Systems for Economic Transformation in Africa.”. This project aims to assess and enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems at the secondary level across six African countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Niger, Rwanda, and Uganda. The study tackles pressing issues such as skills mismatches, youth unemployment, and the alignment of TVET with labor market demands, especially amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The study will answer key questions on:

• The primary challenges affecting TVET effectiveness in Africa.
• Regional variations in TVET challenges.
• Attributes of successful TVET systems for economic growth and dignified work.
• Roles of private sectors in shaping responsive TVET systems.
• Best practices from within and beyond Africa.

Through desk research, surveys, and consultations with TVET stakeholders, the study will provide evidence-based insights for policymakers. ACET’s approach prioritizes gender inclusion, access for marginalized groups, and practical, industry-relevant skills training. Findings will guide reforms to enhance job-readiness and support Africa’s economic transformation.

In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, we are undertaking Regional Job Scan study to analyze youth employment opportunities in Africa and assess sectors with low labor-substitution risk amid technological advancements. This study focuses on two main research questions:

1. Where are the opportunities for creating decent jobs for the youth in Africa at a sectoral level?
2. Which markets demonstrate a low labor-substitution effect, helping to mitigate potential job displacement due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)?

The project aims to identify sectors with high potential for youth employment and low risks of job displacement, providing evidence-based guidance for policies and programs that promote dignified, sustainable work opportunities.

The Youth Voices Program, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, serves as a dynamic platform to amplify the perspectives, contributions, and active participation of young people in shaping Africa’s economic future. This initiative aligns with ACET’s mission to position young people not just as stakeholders but as key architects of Africa’s economic transformation by integrating youth-driven solutions into critical policy dialogues and development programs.

The program features biannual Intergenerational Dialogues (IGDs), enabling young people to engage directly with policymakers and industry leaders to address pressing economic and social issues. It also focuses on translating research into simple and accessible formats to promote informed youth participation, and technical consultations under the Ghana Compact, ensuring youth perspectives are embedded within national development strategies. With the launch of the upcoming podcast series and the wider engagement strategy, the program will further amplify youth voices, ensuring their continued engagement in shaping transformative policies.

Through these activities, the Youth Voices Program has successfully attracted partnerships with youth organizations and expanded its network across the continent. By fostering meaningful collaborations with governments, private sector actors, and development partners, the program creates pathways for youth to take center stage in Africa’s transformation agenda. ACET is committed to building a future where young people are recognized not just as beneficiaries but as active drivers of economic change. The ultimate goal is to institutionalize youth participation, empowering young people to transition from recipients of change to co-creators of Africa’s economic agenda and ensuring they play an active role in decisions that shape their future.

The ACET Youth Policy Lab is a dynamic platform designed to empower young Africans to engage directly in policymaking by simulating real-world governance challenges. Blending the creativity of a hackathon with the rigor of policy design, the Lab invites participants aged 18 to 35 to step into the role of national decision-makers, crafting practical, evidence-based solutions to pressing development issues.

Through mentorship, teamwork, and a continent-wide digital campaign, the Policy Lab builds critical skills in policy analysis, innovation, and leadership—amplifying youth voices in spaces where they are often underrepresented. More than just an idea competition, it is a transformative learning experience that prepares Africa’s next generation of leaders to shape inclusive and sustainable futures.

ACET Youth Policy Lab