KEPSA, led by Deputy CEO Mr. Victor Ogalo, convened a pivotal meeting with a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and representatives from the Pan-African University of Science, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) on 6^th May 2024. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the role of the private sector in the forthcoming Phase II of the PAUSTI project, a venture partially funded by AfDB.

The session commenced with an overview of the current status of the PAUSTI project, highlighting the successful conclusion of Phase I and the ongoing development of Phase II. AfDB emphasized the importance of private sector collaboration in shaping the direction of Phase II, seeking industry input to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

KEPSA highlighted the urgent need for industry-relevant skills to address African challenges, with a specific focus on sectors such as maritime, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, digital economy, energy, and automotive. KEPSA also highlighted the impact of AI on employment opportunities, prompting considerations on balancing skill development with job creation and emphasized alignment with the AU63 agenda. Additionally, KEPSA advocated for the promotion of free movement of labor and mutual recognition of certificates across the continent urging for gender and youth empowerment as key priorities, and recognizing Kenya's potential as a deployable labor force.

AfDB reiterated the importance of private sector involvement in Phase II. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on collaboration in exploring maritime skill development opportunities and conducting industry and skills needs assessments. A niche was also identified in the area of establishing an opportunity and placement portal for labor market information.

 As a way forward, the KEPSA team will retrieve previously conducted labor surveys. The session highlighted the collaborative efforts necessary to address Africa's evolving education and skill development needs.