Inclusive Skill Development and Employability in Africa: Best Practices and Emerging Opportunities

Abstract

The central theme of this presentation is the challenges and opportunities for inclusive skill development and employability of persons with disabilities in Africa and showcases some best practices and emerging initiatives in this field. It also tries to elucidate various barriers that persons with disabilities face in accessing skills development and employment, such as prejudice, discrimination, inaccessible facilities and services, lack of inclusive policies and systems, and lower levels of education. Furthermore, the presentation highlights some of the benefits and drivers of disability-inclusive skill development and employment, such as promoting equality, enhancing diversity, economic growth, social inclusion, legal obligation, and the potential of the youth population in Africa. The presentation showcases some examples of successful programmers and projects that have supported persons with disabilities and have potentials in skills development and employment in different African countries, such as the Employable programmer, the Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy, the Young Africa Works Strategy, and the We Can Work Programmed. It will finally provide key recommendations for improving the disability-inclusive ecosystem and mainstreaming disability in skills and employment programmers.