ILO and SASASNET Explore RPL and Workplace Learning for Africa Skills Week 2026

Informal apprenticeships, community production, and practical work experience across Africa often leave workers with valuable skills that remain invisible, unrecognized, and disconnected from formal qualifications, ilo.org reported. To address this gap, the Southern African Skills Network (SASASNET) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are co-organizing an online session during Africa Skills Week 2026 to explore how Work-Based Learning and Recognition of Prior Learning can build more inclusive skills systems.

Africa Skills Week 2026 Online Session Details

The virtual event is scheduled for October 16, 2026, from 14:00 to 15:30 Central Africa Time via Zoom. Registration is open for participants seeking to examine how practical workplace learning, assessment, quality assurance, certification, and career progression can be strengthened across the continent. The discussion aims to connect competence acquired through self-employment and informal settings to formal opportunities for decent work and lifelong learning.

Targeted Support for Vulnerable and Marginalized Populations

The convening will examine how Work-Based Learning and Recognition of Prior Learning frameworks can respond directly to the needs of women, youth, persons with disabilities, refugees, displaced populations, and rural communities. Governments, employers, workers organizations, qualifications authorities, and training providers are scheduled to participate in the dialogue to unlock new pathways to inclusive economic opportunities.

Scheduled Speakers and Institutional Leadership

Hon. Ousman Sillah, Secretary-General of SASASNET, will moderate the session. Confirmed speakers include Nicholas Ouma, Senior Education Advisor at the African Union Commission; Christine Hofmann, Senior Regional Skills Specialist at the ILO Regional Office for Africa; Luca Nikola Jelic, Project Manager at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training; Deborah E. Edward, Head of Strategic Communications and Partnerships at the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership Nigeria; Dalia Mwya, Director of TVET at the Ministry of Education in Namibia; Misheck Ugaro of EMCOZ; and Priyadarshini Gupta Quedou-Ramjeewawon, President of the Federation of Democratic Labour Unions in Mauritius.