About Us
WeCan Africa Development (WAD) exists to empower Africa’s higher education students and graduates by equipping them with globally relevant skills and creating pathways to dignified employment. Many African graduates face an uphill battle to gain skills that match industry needs and access dignified employment. WeCan Africa Development is committed to changing this narrative by connecting higher education with employment through focused skill-building, career platforms, strategic partnerships, and advocacy
This five-year plan reflects our commitment to making Africa a global hub of talent by empowering young people with the skills, tools, and pathways necessary to shape sustainable careers. Our strategy will employ a phased, holistic approach over these next years, focusing on skills development, sustainable job creation, partnership building, and advocacy, with each component designed to contribute to bridging the educational gap and promote inclusive economic development across the continent. We believe that our focus on direct, measurable outcomes and building strong ties with industries can help to influence systems that currently limit youth employment and foster an environment of inclusive growth across the continent.
Our Vision, Our Mission & Core Values
Our Mission
To empower higher education students and graduates across Africa by equipping them with industry-relevant, globally competitive skills and facilitating their access to dignified employment. Our aim is to bridge the gap between education and the job market by fostering local, regional, and international career opportunities that contribute to sustainable economic and social.development.
Learn MoreOur Vision
An Africa where higher education graduates and undergraduates are equipped with globally competitive skills and have access to dignified, sustainable employment opportunities, driving inclusive growth and development across the continent.
Learn MoreCore Values
Through this strategic plan, WeCan Africa Development (WAD) will play a critical role in addressing these challenges through comprehensive, skills-based programs, supportive public-private partnerships, and innovative job placement platforms
Learn MoreState of Higher Education and Employment for African Youth
The current landscape of higher education and employment opportunities for African youth is shaped by both positive developments and substantial challenges. Africa’s population is young and rapidly expanding, with an estimated 200 million people aged between 15 and 24, making it the world’s youngest continent. However, this demographic advantage can only translate into sustainable development if it aligns with an inclusive, job-generating economic structure. Unfortunately, many young Africans face obstacles in both educational and employment sectors, which impacts their potential to contribute effectively to the economy.
In terms of education, while access has improved over the years, quality remains inconsistent. Across sub-Saharan Africa, many institutions of higher learning struggle to equip students with the skills needed in today’s global economy. An estimated 11 million young people will enter the job market annually over the next decade, yet only a fraction will possess the relevant skills for employment. Even for graduates, there’s a considerable mismatch between skills acquired and those demanded by the market, creating a gap that hinders employability and innovation.
Unemployment rates also highlight the barriers faced by youth. Despite holding degrees, a large proportion of young people experience long periods of unemployment or are forced into informal, low-paying jobs that do not match their qualifications or aspirations. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, contributing to job losses, business closures, and disrupted educational pathways. As a result, nearly 70% of employed youth in sub-Saharan Africa work in vulnerable employment, lacking security or benefits.
Moreover, while policy initiatives are in place to improve the economic landscape, most African nations need more investment in youth-focused strategies and resources. Many countries have yet to realize the potential of harnessing public-private partnerships to bridge the gap between educational institutions and industry needs, an approach that could foster more effective pathways for young Africans entering the job market.
Through this strategic plan, WeCan Africa Initiative (WAI) will play a critical role in addressing these challenges through comprehensive, skills-based programs, supportive public-private partnerships, and innovative job placement platforms.
