Educators &amp; Implementers Corner

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingHuman Capital DevelopmentGovernance

Models and Guidenlines for TVET Intermediaries

This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the role of intermediaries in strengthening the connection between skills development systems and labour market opportunities across Africa. As countries seek to harness the continent’s demographic dividend, improving the alignment between education, training, and employment has become a critical priority. Intermediary organisations play an essential role in bridging this gap by connecting training providers, employers, governments, and job seekers within the broader skills–jobs ecosystem. The publication explores the different types of intermediaries operating in the skills development landscape, including employer associations, training providers, employment agencies, and partnership facilitators. It highlights how these actors help coordinate work-based learning opportunities, strengthen collaboration between industry and training institutions, and support the transition of young people into meaningful employment. Drawing on global experiences and African examples, the resource outlines the key characteristics of effective intermediaries at micro, meso, and macro levels. It also presents an integrated model and practical guidelines to support organisations seeking to establish or strengthen intermediary functions within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems. By promoting stronger partnerships, data-driven approaches, and inclusive strategies, this guide supports policymakers, practitioners, and development partners working to build more responsive skills ecosystems that improve youth employment outcomes across the continent.

Entrepreneurship and informal sector formalisationIndustrial, technical and vocational trainingEducation systems & policy

SIFA Entrepreneurship Guidelines

This section brings together a curated set of resources developed under the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) Technical Cooperation to support entrepreneurship development within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems. The materials highlight practical approaches, lessons learned, and implementation models that strengthen the capacity of TVET institutions and intermediaries to promote youth entrepreneurship and employment. The resources presented here showcase experiences from different African countries where innovative entrepreneurship support models have been implemented in collaboration with training institutions, industry partners, and ecosystem actors. They illustrate how TVET centres can move beyond traditional training delivery to become hubs for enterprise creation, incubation, and skills development aligned with labour market opportunities. Each country resource provides insights into the local context, the structure of the entrepreneurship support model, key activities undertaken, and the outcomes achieved for young people. Together, they offer policymakers, practitioners, and development partners practical examples of how entrepreneurship can be embedded within TVET systems to expand pathways for youth employment, self employment, and economic participation. By sharing these country experiences, SIFA aims to facilitate knowledge exchange across the continent and inspire the replication and adaptation of effective approaches that strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems within TVET institutions.

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingGovernanceFinancing & investment in skills

SIFA Macroeconomic Study : Ghana

The Ghana Labour Market and Sector Analysis assesses the country’s economic landscape to determine which sectors are best positioned to drive employment creation and economic growth. Through an analysis of sectoral performance, labour demand indicators, and workforce characteristics, the report identifies priority industries where targeted skills investments can improve labour market outcomes. The findings contribute to evidence-based policy discussions on strengthening TVET systems and improving youth employability.

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingGovernanceFinancing & investment in skills

SIFA Macroeconomic Study : Nigeria

The Nigeria Labour Market and Sector Analysis evaluates the country’s labour market structure and sectoral growth prospects to determine where skills development interventions can generate the greatest employment impact. Using a combination of macroeconomic analysis, employment forecasts, and sector prioritisation methods, the report identifies industries that offer strong potential for job creation. The findings provide guidance for policymakers, training institutions, and development partners seeking to align skills development initiatives with Nigeria’s economic priorities.

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingGovernanceFinancing & investment in skills

SIFA Macroeconomic Study : Ethiopia

The Ethiopia Labour Market and Sector Analysis investigates the relationship between economic growth, labour demand, and workforce skills in the country. The study identifies sectors expected to experience strong employment growth over the coming years and highlights the skills gaps that may limit workforce participation in these industries. By analysing labour supply characteristics and sectoral trends, the report supports strategic planning for TVET development and labour market alignment.

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingGovernanceFinancing & investment in skills

SIFA Macroeconomic Study : Cameroon

The Cameroon Labour Market and Sector Analysis examines the country’s economic sectors to determine where skills development initiatives can contribute most effectively to employment creation. Through a detailed analysis of labour market trends, sector growth forecasts, and workforce characteristics, the report identifies priority industries and the skills required to support them. The findings aim to guide policy reforms, strengthen TVET systems, and support inclusive economic development.

Report/Data| French

GovernanceFinancing & investment in skillsIndustrial, technical and vocational training

SIFA Macroeconomic Study : South Africa

The South Africa Labour Market and Sector Analysis provides an overview of key economic sectors with the greatest potential to generate employment and drive inclusive growth. The report examines labour demand, labour supply dynamics, and sectoral growth patterns to identify priority industries where targeted skills development interventions can support youth employment and economic transformation. By analysing macroeconomic trends, sector performance, and skills gaps, the study offers evidence to inform TVET reform, workforce development planning, and strategic investment in high-impact sectors.

Human Capital DevelopmentGovernanceIndustrial, technical and vocational training

Toolkit for TVET Managers

This collection of resources provides practical guidance and tools to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) managers, policymakers, and practitioners in strengthening institutional effectiveness and responsiveness to labour market needs. The materials form part of a broader learning series aimed at improving the governance, management, and strategic development of TVET institutions across Africa. The resources address several core dimensions of effective TVET management, including strategic planning, financial sustainability, agile service delivery, and collaboration with industry and institutional partners. Together, they offer structured frameworks, worksheets, and practical examples that help managers assess their institutional capacity, identify areas for improvement, and implement more responsive systems aligned with economic and labour market developments. A key emphasis of the series is the importance of adaptability and partnerships within the skills ecosystem. TVET institutions operate within dynamic labour markets, and their ability to respond to changing industry requirements depends on agile programme design, strong stakeholder engagement, and effective resource management. Agile institutions are those that continuously align their programmes with industry trends, integrate technology and work based learning, and use data to inform decision making and institutional improvement. The resources also highlight the role of strategic collaboration with governments, industry, international organisations, and communities. Partnerships enable institutions to access expertise, technology, funding opportunities, and work based learning pathways that improve training quality and graduate employability. In addition, the collection includes guidance on financial planning and budgeting practices that support institutional sustainability. Effective budgeting processes ensure that financial resources are aligned with institutional goals, enable strategic investment in programme quality, and strengthen accountability and transparency in financial management. Together, these tools provide a practical reference for TVET leaders seeking to build resilient institutions that can contribute meaningfully to skills development, youth employment, and inclusive economic growth.

Gender and TransformationEducation systems & policyHuman Capital Development

2024

NEDA Treasure Trove on TVET

Gender-Responsive and Transformative TVET in Africa A curated collection of promising practice In a landscape rich with policy papers and guidance notes on gender and Technical and Vocational Education and Training, this publication distinguishes itself as a practical and evidence-informed compendium of action. It is described as a true treasure trove because it brings together concrete, field-tested gender-responsive and gender-transformative approaches from across the African continent. Rather than revisiting familiar arguments, the booklet highlights initiatives that actively challenge entrenched social norms and gender stereotypes. It showcases how TVET programmes can dismantle structural barriers that limit women and girls’ participation in the economy and constrain their contribution to household and community well-being. The emphasis is on applied methodologies, institutional reforms, and measurable results. Anchored in Continental and International Frameworks The approaches featured are aligned with key continental and global policy commitments. At the continental level, the African Union Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment 2018–2028 calls for inclusive and multisectoral transformation to eliminate systemic constraints to women’s empowerment. At the international level, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development advances an intersectional and transformative agenda through its Feminist Development Policy introduced in 2022. Both frameworks move beyond access alone and promote structural change in institutions, norms, and resource allocation. This publication translates these strategic commitments into tangible examples within the TVET sector. Addressing the Documentation Gap Despite strong policy endorsement, systematic documentation of effective gender-responsive and transformative TVET approaches remains limited. To close this gap, the GIZ Network for Economic Development in Africa has compiled a preliminary yet carefully selected portfolio of promising project examples from across Africa. These cases demonstrate that transformative change in TVET is not aspirational. It is already underway. The objective is to inspire practitioners, policymakers, and programme designers to replicate, adapt, and scale innovative methodologies that promote gender equality in skills development systems. A Structured Assessment Framework The projects included in this collection are assessed using the Reach–Benefit–Empowerment Matrix. This practical analytical model enables stakeholders to evaluate initiatives according to: Reach: Who is being targeted and included Benefit: What tangible improvements participants experience Empowerment: Whether structural power relations and opportunities are shifting The matrix provides a clear methodology for planning, implementing, and evaluating TVET interventions with measurable outcomes. It supports evidence-based decision making and strengthens accountability in gender-transformative programming.

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingDigital skills & future of workGovernance

Digital Transformation of TVET and Skills Development Systems in Africa - Guidelines for countries to undertake a strategic planning framework

Framework/Standard| English

Digital Transformation of TVET and Skills Development Systems in Africa - Guidelines for countries to undertake a strategic planning framework

Strategic planning guidelines that follow the situational analysis, providing a structured framework using pyramid principle techniques to develop actionable strategic plans. Includes templates for vision statements, objectives, strategies, programmes, budgets, KPIs, critical success factors, and action plans. Designed to help countries translate situational analysis findings into concrete 12-month implementation roadmaps aligned with the initiative's ten continental targets for digital TVET transformation.

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingDigital skills & future of workGovernance

Digital Transformation of TVET and Skills Development Systems in Africa - Guidelines for countries to undertake a situational analysis

Digital Transformation of TVET and Skills Development Systems in Africa - Guidelines for countries to undertake a situational analysis

Comprehensive guidelines to assist African countries in conducting situational analyses to determine their readiness for digitalizing TVET and skills development systems. Based on ILO's five building blocks framework, it provides structured questions and conceptual frameworks across governance, labor market anticipation, skills development, access strategies, and employability. The guide helps countries assess leadership commitment, policy development, digital infrastructure, teaching processes, credentialing systems, and equity considerations.