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Skill Up Africa: Focus on AI, youth and jobs as expo ends
Federation of Kenya Employers Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline Mugo speaks during the Skill Up Africa event at KICC on July 15, 2025.
The 2025 edition of Skill Up Africa concluded yesterday with discussions on how technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), can be leveraged as a pathway to economic independence for young people.
Participants take a slefie during the Skill Up Africa event at KICC on July 16, 2025. The event focused on empowering youth through skills development and entrepreneurship.
Skill Up Africa is a premier annual conference and expo organised by the Nation Media Group to facilitate discussions on critical issues around skills development, employment and the future of work in Kenya and beyond.
Nation Media Group, the State Department of Labour and Skills Development and the State Department of TVET have come together to collaborate and share responsibilities to ensure the event features meaningful discussions that will generate recommendations for future action by the policymakers.
Panelists during a session at the Skill Up Africa event at KICC on July 15, 2025.
The event brought together trainers, employment industry stakeholders, policymakers, development partners and young professionals among other relevant parties.
A key theme throughout the event was the urgent need for improved career guidance, practical training and inclusive opportunities within the digital and gig economies.
Panelists during a panel discussion at the Skill Up Africa event at KICC on July 15, 2025. The event focused on empowering youth through skills development and entrepreneurship.
Yesterday, speakers emphasised the growing mismatch between what is taught in schools and the rapidly evolving demands of Kenya’s job market.
Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime said this was the third consecutive year that his department has coordinated this event.
“Our young people popularly known as Gen Z are calling not just for employment, but for meaningful engagement. This event presents a timely opportunity to deepen that engagement towards harnessing the creativity, entrepreneurial drive, and technological acumen of the youth towards transforming their livelihoods,” Mr Mwadime said.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, speaks during the Skill Up Africa event at KICC on July 15, 2025.
In his keynote address, Dr Victor Boiya, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Student Life at USIU, addressed the pressing issue of aligning academic training with labour market needs.
He underscored the importance of curriculum reform, soft skills development and academic-industry partnerships to improve graduate employability.
“Opportunities are no longer in traditional sectors; they are shifting to the digital space. Statistics show that conventional job opportunities are declining by about 11 percent annually, while digital jobs are growing by approximately 27 percent each year,” Dr Boiya noted.
He also highlighted the role of initiatives like Ajira Digital, which offer short-term digital training programs in areas such as coding, data analytics, content creation, and digital marketing—helping young people transition into freelancing, e-commerce and other online careers.
Exhibitors engage with participants at their exhibition stand during the Skill Up Africa event at KICC on July 16, 2025.
The forum called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to pool resources for training and internship programs that equip youth with future-ready skills.
Head of Youth Engagement and Learning at BrighterMonday, Edmond Magasa, said there is a need to bridge the gap between young people and meaningful work by investing in skills development, mentorship and inclusive engagement.
Panelists during a panel discussion at the Skill Up Africa event at KICC on July 16, 2025. The event focused on empowering youths through skills development and entrepreneurship.
Youth panellists encouraged their peers to embrace flexibility, resilience, and continuous learning. They highlighted digital platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, YouTube, and social media as viable avenues for earning income outside traditional employment structures.
Bernice Wangechi (right) receives an award for the Youth E-Sports Competition from the Director of Administration at the State Department for Labour and Skills Development Mike Kimoko, during the Skill Up Africa event at KICC on July 16, 2025.
One of the standout voices at the event was Linet Wanja, a young creative and digital freelancer, who found the forum both uplifting and affirming.
“What stood out for me was how the panelists spoke our language—not corporate jargon, but real stories,” she said. “It felt like they were not just talking about us, but with us. I feel seen, challenged, and recharged.”
Panelists pose for a photo after a panel discussion at the Skill Up Africa event at KICC on July 15, 2025.
Lynn Prudence, a student from Huruma Girls High School, shared how the event opened her eyes to new career paths.
“This event opened my eyes. I have learned that with digital skills, I do not have to wait until university to start building my future. I am inspired to start something now through content creation,” Prudence said.
