Private Sector/Employers Corner

Gender and TransformationHuman Capital DevelopmentInformal sector & livelihoods

Gender Makes Business Sense

Gender makes Business Sense (GmBS) is a practical capacity development journey for agripreneurs that enhances their understanding of business plus an integrated gender dimension to thrive with a new mindset. The GmBS journey shows how a collaborative approach between women, men, public and private sectors, and the community can systematically redress the gender imbalances in all agribusiness value chain segments. GmBS is about Gender Transformative Change, tackling power relations at the root causes systematically, by demanding behavioural change at various levels and stages, not only from agripreneurs but also from policy actors in national ministries and GmBS facilitators in the field.

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 : 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.

Report/Data| English

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

GovernanceIndustrial, technical and vocational trainingFinancing & investment in skills

SIFA Macroeconomic Study : Tunisia

The Tunisia Labour Market and Sector Analysis provides insights into the country’s evolving economic structure and labour market needs. The report analyses sectoral performance, employment patterns, and workforce skills to identify industries where targeted training and policy interventions could stimulate job creation. It also highlights opportunities for strengthening skills systems and improving the responsiveness of education and training institutions to labour market demand.

Report/Data| French

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingFinancing & investment in skillsGovernance

SIFA Macroeconomic Study : Kenya

Kenya The Kenya Labour Market and Sector Analysis explores the structure of Kenya’s labour market and identifies sectors with strong employment potential. The study combines economic data, sectoral forecasts, and stakeholder insights to highlight priority industries where skills development programmes can have the greatest impact. It also examines labour supply trends, education and training pathways, and the alignment between TVET systems and labour market demand to support more responsive skills policies.

Report/Data| English

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.

Human Capital DevelopmentEntrepreneurship and informal sector formalisationGender and Transformation

A Learning Series: Working Towards Agile And Responsive Skills And (Self) Employment Ecosystems In Africa - A Systems Approach To Addressing Youth Unemployment

2022

A Learning Series: Working Towards Agile And Responsive Skills And (Self) Employment Ecosystems In Africa - A Systems Approach To Addressing Youth Unemployment

This Learning Series targets African TVET practitioners and policymakers addressing youth unemployment. It comprises four Learning Briefs covering critical skills development areas: Disability Inclusion, Entrepreneurship and the Informal Sector, Gender-Transformative Change, and Demand-Led Skills Development. Each brief presents lessons learned, practical strategies, and success stories from programmes and innovations across the continent, relevant to stakeholders including policy makers, training providers, researchers, funders, implementers, evaluators, and beneficiaries working within CESA and Continental TVET Strategy frameworks.

GovernanceHuman Capital DevelopmentEntrepreneurship and informal sector formalisation

SIFA's Private Sector Engagement Framework

Framework/Standard| English

SIFA's Private Sector Engagement Framework

This framework guides SIFA's cooperation with the private sector to strengthen TVET and skills development ecosystems across five African Union regional clusters. Built on principles of cooperation, collaboration and knowledge sharing, it operates at three levels: macro (public policy engagement with government, business, labour and civil society), meso (stakeholder engagement with industry associations, professional bodies, informal sector and youth associations), and micro (local workforce planning with individual businesses and community organizations). The framework encompasses three workstreams: regional coordination with common action plans and templates, facilitation and technical assistance including policy influence and partnership development, and knowledge management through the ASPYEE Portal covering stakeholder mapping, country profiles, case studies and guidelines.

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingHuman Capital DevelopmentGovernance

E-Learning Course on Skills Anticipation and Matching

2023

E-Learning Course on Skills Anticipation and Matching

A seven-week, 60-hour online course designed to help participants understand the importance of identifying current and future skill needs and labour market imbalances. Covers drivers of change, labour market data analysis, anticipation methodologies, institutional mechanisms, sectoral approaches, and translation into policy and practice.

Industrial, technical and vocational trainingDigital skills & future of work

The Ultimate Guide to Job Fairs: Handbooks for TVET & HR Managers, & Students.

The Ultimate Guide to Job Fairs: Handbooks for TVET & HR Managers, & Students.

This collection of handbooks provides TVET managers and HR managers with guidance and templates for organising, hosting, and evaluating both on-site and virtual job fairs in Africa. The tools cover planning, employer participation, and event follow-up. For youth, the guides offer practical preparation to take part in job fairs, including how to present CVs, portfolios, and engage with recruiters. Job fairs, often called Career Days or Expos, create opportunities for employers to showcase vacancies while students and job seekers connect directly with potential workplaces and work-based learning experiences.