The Co-Founder of the Tudu Center for Leadership and Development, Osman Mubarik Abu, has called on the World Bank and its agencies to establish a framework for reviewing the curriculum of Sub-Saharan African countries.

The goal is to ensure that students are equipped with the skills needed to meet international standards for both domestic and global recruitment.

Speaking during the "Innovation for Youth Empowerment in a Fast-Changing World" session at the ongoing 2024 Annual World Bank Meeting, Osman highlighted the urgent need to address the growing skills gap, particularly in developed countries.

Discussions during the session revealed a decline in the availability of skilled labor, particularly in developed nations, with Sub-Saharan Africa identified as a key reserve for future labor supply.

The conversation also touched on Africa’s rising unemployment rates and the critical need for reforms in the region’s educational system.

A report presented at the session projected significant changes in global labor availability over the next 25 years, stressing the importance of adapting educational training to meet future demands.

Mr Osman argued that as Sub-Saharan Africa is poised to become a key labor source for developed nations during this impending labor shortage, the World Bank and its partners must prioritise a comprehensive revision of curricula across African educational institutions.

The 2024 World Bank Group Annual Meeting, currently underway, brings together government delegations, academics, private sector representatives, financial advisors, and civil society organisations to discuss responses to global challenges such as climate change, job creation, and sustainable development strategies for the future.