The report on a survey by Mastercard Foundation, has revealed that a vast majority of the youth in Africa leave the education system and start working before pursuing tertiary education.

According to the report, out of the 98% of young people who enroll at the primary level in Sub-Saharan Africa, only 9% make it to the university or any tertiary institution, and only 6% graduate.

The report, dubbed ‘Secondary Education in Africa: Preparing Youth for the Future of Work’ focuses on the role of Secondary Education in helping African youth prepare for employment and be able to fulfill their potentials given the changing nature of work.

The report also examines progress and provides policymakers and other education stakeholders with practical options as they seek solutions that are implementable in their contexts.

The report thus recommended, among others, “entrepreneurial and work skills through co and/or extracurricular courses, experiential learning and skills courses in business planning and management financial literacy, and work readiness.

Seven key skills, relevant to labour market which includes: foundational skills in literacy, digital skills, technology, vocational skills, etc. should be incorporated into the SHS curriculum.

Also, re-entry to schools for adolescent mothers should be facilitated.

An effective regulatory environment should be created to harness the potential of non-state actors to expand the provision of quality secondary education, TVET, and ancillary services.  

The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. 

It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world.

The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and Management.

In Ghana, after more than a decade working with the private sector and government to promote financial inclusion and education through its Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation launched Young Africa Works, a 10-year strategy to enable 3 million young Ghanaians, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

Young Africa Works in Ghana aims to enable the growth of women-owned enterprises through business development services, access to finance, and access to markets.

It also enables young people to acquire skills that are needed by businesses in growing sectors of the economy and strengthen the quality of education to prepare students for the world of work.

Additionally, the Mastercard Foundation scales digital training and strengthens technology-focused employment opportunities.