Across Africa, rapid economic, technological and demographic changes are reshaping education systems and labour markets. These shifts are increasing the demand for new skills while exposing persistent gaps in access to education, training and employment opportunities.

As a result, many young people face difficulties transitioning into work and are classified as Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs). In African contexts, this is closely linked to rapid population growth, urbanization and the prevalence of informal economies, where many youth engage in work and learning pathways that are not always formally recognized

While the NEET concept helps highlight youth vulnerability, it does not always capture the diversity of African realities, including informal work, self-employment and non-formal learning. This calls for more context-sensitive approaches to understanding youth transitions.

In this context, lifelong learning offers a key framework for supporting more flexible and inclusive pathways to skills development, employment and entrepreneurship. However, its implementation remains challenged by fragmented systems and limited coordination across education, training and labour sectors.

This webinar will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, private-sector actors and youth representatives to explore how lifelong learning can support more inclusive and flexible pathways for youth empowerment and socio-economic participation in African contexts.

Objectives

• Analyze NEET dynamics in Africa and their implications for youth inclusion
• Explore how lifelong learning can support flexible pathways for empowerment and employment
• Share innovative policies and practices for youth inclusion
• Identify strategic directions for more inclusive lifelong learning systems

The webinar will examine how adult and non-formal education programmes can strengthen practical skills development and vocational pathways for youth and adults.  It will focus on how Integrated community programmes for Adult Education, CLCs (Community Learning Centres) and Folk Development Colleges can connect literacy with livelihoods, employability, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.

• Presenters: Geoffrey Sixbert Nchimbi, Principal, Newala Folk Development College | Mwajuma Mohamed, Lecturer, Institute of Adult Education
• Date: 11 June 2026
• Time: 14:00 -15:30 (SAST) / 12:00 – 13:30 (UTC)

English / French