Africa’s future hinges on its greatest asset: its people. Humans capital investment shaping African’s tomorrow is not just a catchphrase it is a roadmap to unlocking Africa’s full potential. At AACOSE 7, leading voices from education and social enterprises across the continent gathered to discuss how Africa can nurture and leverage its talent for sustainable growth. Moderated by Dr. Evelyn Jepkemei, the session featured powerful insights from experts on strategies driving human capital development in Africa.
Perspectives on Human Capital Development
Mike Korir from Verb Education emphasized that fully believing in people, especially the youth, is essential for growth. He urged organizations to assign more responsibilities to young talent, stating:
“To see the youth grow, they need to be given responsibilities.”
Owen Muzambi, founder of South Africa’s Gold Youth, highlighted the complex process of building human capital. This involves formal, informal, and non-formal education. Muzambi pointed out that broken education systems have fueled youth unemployment. His organization leverages peer education to create change-makers, noting:
“Education is key to human capital development, but the system is broken.”
From Social Enterprise Ethiopia, Ruth Yohannes stressed the importance of skills development, job creation, and youth employment as solutions. She emphasized measurable actions, saying:
“We have to emphasize the need for impact.”
Dr. Neoline Kirabo, from Uganda’s Kyusa, introduced a virtual learning platform designed by Africans for Africans to provide young people with market-ready skills. She highlighted the importance of informal learning for marginalized groups, adding that employers value competence more than formal education.
Meanwhile, Jane Thiong’o, CEO of Alive and Kicking Zambia, argued for recruitment strategies that focus on transferable skills over degrees, advocating for storytelling as a tool to promote human development.
Key Takeaways
- Belief in Youth Potential – Youth are the foundation of Africa’s future. Organizations must trust their abilities and assign meaningful roles.
- Broken Education Systems – Many African countries face failing education systems that worsen unemployment and poverty. See UNESCO’s Education in Africa report for context.
- Impact of Peer Education – Models like Gold Youth have empowered over 30,000 young leaders, proving peer learning works.
- Holistic Learning Models – Blending formal, informal, and non-formal education (e.g., mentorship, social media learning, family support) is critical.
- Virtual Learning Opportunities – Platforms offering non-academic certificates bridge skills gaps for school dropouts and underserved youth.
- Competence Over Credentials – Employers are increasingly prioritizing skills and competence over formal degrees.
- Storytelling in Social Enterprises – Sharing real human stories builds trust, attracts investment, and highlights measurable impact.
Action Points for Humans Capital Investment Shaping African’s Tomorrow
- Believe in People – Assign meaningful responsibilities that build capacity.
- Diversify Learning – Combine formal, informal, and experiential learning to reach more learners.
- Support Peer Education – Scale initiatives that empower youth as leaders.
- Invest in Virtual Learning – Encourage digital platforms that provide accessible certifications.
- Align Education With Market Needs – Focus on 21st-century skills employers demand, not just degrees.
- Strengthen Partnerships – Governments, private sector, and nonprofits must collaborate on education and skilling.
- Prioritize Competence – Recruitment should shift to talent-first hiring.
- Leverage Storytelling – Use storytelling to amplify impact and celebrate Africa’s talent.
Showcase: Driving Change Across Africa
- Wambui Nganga – SOMA Siri, Kenya
Wambui emphasized talent-led innovation by focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Using data-driven skilling, SOMA Siri addresses gaps early, starting with children. They plan to leverage technology to scale and incorporate research in communities. - Dr. Zipporah Muiruri – Tangaza University, Kenya
As coordinator of Social Entrepreneurship & Sustainability, she highlighted East Africa’s only MBA in social entrepreneurship. This program teaches students to resolve social problems through business solutions—not profit maximization. It uses competency-based education, encouraging students to apply their knowledge practically.
Conclusion
Africa’s future lies in its people, and humans capital investment shaping African’s tomorrow requires bold strategies, innovative learning models, and unwavering belief in youth. By rethinking education, embracing virtual learning, prioritizing competence over credentials, and fostering impactful storytelling, Africa can create a more prosperous future.
The journey to unlocking Africa’s potential is not just about systems it’s about people, skills, and opportunities. Let’s continue building Africa’s human capital, one story, one skill, and one opportunity at a time.