World Bank MD Urges African Youth to Build Skills for Future Jobs at UG Lecture

The Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group, Paschal Donohoe, has called on African youth to develop relevant and adaptable skills to navigate the rapidly changing global economy. He made the remarks during the first Vice-Chancellor’s Occasional Lecture for 2026 at the University of Ghana, held under the theme “Building Skills, Creating Jobs and Empowering Africa’s Future.”
Mr. Donohoe highlighted the growing global skills gap, noting that technological advancements, automation, and the green transition are reshaping labour markets worldwide. He stressed that education must go beyond theory and translate into real opportunities, urging students to continuously build critical skills such as communication, data literacy, adaptability, and problem-solving. According to him, these competencies are essential for thriving in an economy that is constantly evolving.
Focusing on Africa, he described the continent’s youthful population as a major advantage for the future global workforce but warned of the persistent mismatch between graduates and available jobs. He pointed out that many young people enter the labour market without the practical skills required by employers, emphasizing that the goal is not just employment, but improved productivity and meaningful earnings. He encouraged stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry to ensure that training aligns with real-world demands.
The lecture also featured an interactive session where Mr. Donohoe engaged with students on issues of employment, entrepreneurship, and emerging career opportunities, encouraging them to explore non-traditional career paths and remain flexible in their ambitions.
In her remarks, Vice-Chancellor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo noted that the theme of the lecture reflects a critical development challenge of the current generation. She emphasized the University’s responsibility to produce not only graduates but innovators and leaders capable of driving sustainable development. She further stressed the importance of aligning education systems with labour market needs to address youth unemployment and disengagement.
The event brought together senior university officials, faculty, students, and representatives from the World Bank Ghana office, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and collaboration in shaping Africa’s future workforce.