AGI Advocates for Workplace-Based Training as Ghanaian Youth Participate in International Professional Development Programs

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has intensified its call for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa to adopt workplace-based training to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical employment. Speaking at the 2026 International Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, AGI Vice President for SMEs, Mr. Dela Gadzanku, emphasized that such initiatives are critical for enhancing the employability of the continent's growing youth population. The conference, which drew over 500 participants from 20 countries, served as a platform to discuss strengthening the synergy between industry demands and vocational training institutions.

Mr. Gadzanku underscored the necessity of robust public-private partnerships to ensure that educational curricula align with the evolving needs of the labor market. Beyond immediate employment, he encouraged TVET graduates to view entrepreneurship as a viable career path and a solution to regional unemployment. To facilitate this transition, AGI announced the upcoming launch of the AGI Nkabom Job Portal, a digital platform designed to connect skilled job seekers directly with potential employers. This initiative aims to streamline recruitment processes and address the structural challenges of youth unemployment by providing a dedicated space for vocational talent.

Complementing these regional efforts, young Ghanaian professionals are also gaining significant exposure on the global stage through specialized training programs. In Zagreb, Croatia, a cohort of emerging agricultural journalists under the age of 35—including representatives from Ghana—gathered for the Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award training event. Organized by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and supported by Alltech, the program focuses on the vital role of media in the global agricultural narrative. Leaders at the event, including Alltech Vice President Patrick Charlton and IFAJ President Steve Werblow, highlighted the responsibilities of journalists in communicating complex agricultural statistics and challenges to the public.

These developments highlight a dual-track approach to youth empowerment: domestic policy advocacy for better vocational integration and international collaboration for professional excellence. The young journalists in Croatia are scheduled to visit various agricultural sites before participating in the IFAJ 2026 World Congress in Osijek. Together, these initiatives in both the industrial and media sectors reflect a broader commitment to equipping the next generation with the practical skills and global perspectives necessary to drive economic growth and professional development in Ghana and across the continent.