HOW CAN WE ENSURE THAT STEM GRADUATES HAVE THE SKILLS REQUIRED BY LABOR MARKETS? Some Points for Discussion STI Forum, April 2012 Dr. Boukary Savadogo, AfDB

1 The Bank’s 2008 Higher Education Science and Technology (HEST) Strategy Objective: To assist member countries (RMCs) to develop the skills in science and technology that are needed to build their human capital and foster economic growth and development. Strategic Pillars and Actions: 1. Support to National and Regional Centers of Excellence (Targeted support to Universities, Polytechnics and specialized Technical Training institutions). 2. Building HEST infrastructure and upgrading equipment. 3. Linking HEST to the productive sector.

2 The Banks Evolving Human Development Strategy A comprehensive strategy for the Bank to help RMCs build their human capital necessary for inclusive growth and poverty reduction with a special focus on the Bank’s priority sectors:  Infrastructure – labor intensive, requiring specialized skills  Governance – 40-60% domestic spending goes to social sectors  Private sector – mismatch between skills produced and quality of education and labor market needs  HEST – too few students in STEM

Key dimensions of HD Strategy  Growth, productivity and jobs …  Using new technologies to build a knowledge economy  Only an educated and healthy workforce can be productive  Value for money, accountability and voice in service delivery  Integrate private spending in policymaking  Addressing governance, voice and accountability issues  Social inclusion and cohesion

4 Towards a New Education Model in Africa (NEMA) Within the framework of the HD Strategy, aims to drive the Bank’s work in Education in 6 areas:  Develop ICT-based education models.  Link education systems with the labor market.  Increase Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to help RMCs tap into the experience, knowledge and financial leverage of the private sector to develop cutting edge learning environments.  Develop critical thinking.  Use participatory approaches in decision making.  Ensure that all programs are evidence-based and have a strong results focus on quality and learning outcomes.

5 LINKING STEM EDUCATION TO PRODUCTIVE SECTORS I. Develop in students the skills needed for critical thinking and problem solving. This calls for a strong basic education with at the very least the following:  Early start in STEM education with activities that will create a passion for STEM at an early age.  Strong language and communication skills with a particular focus on reading, writing an comprehension.  Strong bias for critical thinking.

II. Build flexibility in educational systems to adapt to changing needs, environment and opportunities The evolving NEMA is seen as a potential instrument to help build flexibility.

7 III. De velop Partnerships and Cooperation to find common solutions to common problems STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS WITH:  COUNTRIES AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES (RECs)  OTHER DONORS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERS – IN PARTICULAR, UNESCO, THE AU & NEPAD, THE AAU, UNECA, ADEA AND ACBF, AMONG OTHER PARTNERS  BILATERAL COOPERATION AGENCIES SUCH AS CIDA, USAID, JICA, AND OTHERS  THE PRIVATE SECTOR, FOUNDATIONS AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS  UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF TERTIARY EDUCATION  RESEARCH CENTERS

8 On all these and other relevant points of discussion, there is a need to: Share experiences and best practices. Share ideas on potential projects that could be funded by AfDB and other donors.

9 For more information: Dr. Boukary Savadogo Manager Division of Education, Science and Technology The African Development Bank Group