Gift Iyioku seeks to strengthen US-Africa partnership to build continent’s human capital

Gift Iyioku, a scholar focused on international development, particularly in human capital enhancement in Africa through research and advocacy, is seeking to strengthen US-Africa partnerships to address critical challenges facing the continent.

According to Iyioku, the potential of Africa’s youth has long been recognised by the United States, which has made significant efforts to support human capital development across the continent.

She said, “Programs such as the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and various educational initiatives by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) demonstrate a substantial and growing American investment in Africa’s future workforce.

“However, there is a pressing need for greater involvement from African policy experts based in the US to advance these efforts effectively. By leveraging their insights and experiences, these experts can reinforce and expand initiatives that resonate with Africa’s unique demographic and economic contexts.

“The United States’ commitment to empowering Africa’s youth is evident through several targeted programs aimed at skill-building, education, and entrepreneurship. YALI, launched in 2010, provides invaluable training and networking opportunities for young African leaders, fostering skills in business, civic engagement, and public management.

“Concurrently, USAID invests in educational programs and workforce development, addressing issues from literacy improvement to vocational training. These initiatives align with the urgent need for Africa to transform its large youth population into a productive workforce, recognizing that youth empowerment is intrinsically linked to economic growth.”

She added that the Prosper Africa initiative seeks to bolster US-Africa trade and investment, creating new job opportunities while emphasising workforce development in sectors where Africa has competitive advantages, such as agriculture and digital services. By supporting skills training and employment initiatives, these programs lay a foundation for sustainable economic growth across African nations.

While these US programs provide a strong foundation, the unique perspectives of African policy experts in the US can significantly enhance these efforts. Many of these experts possess firsthand knowledge of the developmental challenges facing the continent and can bring valuable insights that align US initiatives with Africa’s specific needs. By engaging with American think tanks, such as the Brookings Institution and the Wilson Center, African policy experts can help develop strategies that address core issues like educational reform and job creation, ensuring that investments in education yield long-term benefits for African societies.

Think tanks offer a vital platform for African policy experts to access resources, research, and networks essential for championing new ideas and driving impactful change. Collaborating on initiatives focused on STEM education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship is crucial for cultivating Africa’s future workforce. Data-driven policy recommendations generated from these partnerships can guide investments into sectors with the highest potential for youth employment and economic growth.

Moreover, these experts play a critical role in monitoring and evaluating the success of US-funded programs in Africa. By offering culturally informed assessments, they can help optimiSe programs to better align with the continent’s evolving needs, contributing to a cycle of continuous improvement in US investments.

To fully harness the potential of US-Africa partnerships, it is imperative that African policy experts actively shape policies that empower the continent’s youth. Their collaboration with US think tanks can bridge the gap between American intentions and African realities, fostering a future where Africa’s youth are equipped to lead the continent toward greater prosperity. Such synergies not only benefit Africa but also enhance US influence as a committed partner in Africa’s sustainable development.