Innovation in Vocational Education & Skills Training: Investing in Youth and the Informal Sector

Abstract

The informal sector of the economy is becoming increasingly important for youth employment and national development throughout the continent. This paper argues that the vast majority of African youth are locked out of a system which was designed for the 20th Century. Commonwealth of Learning is mandated to support governments and institutions to benefit from educational technology. INVEST Africa is a COL‐CAPA collaborative programme which aims to build the capacity of TVET institutions to harness the potential of ICT to both meet the needs of this important group and also improve the quality of general TVET offerings. The paper will look at the findings of the recent Global Monitoring Report in relation to technical & vocational skills development for the informal sector in sub Saharan Africa and how it can harness ICT and flexible and blended approaches to provide for those who have been disadvantaged.