A highlight of the 2024 East Africa Hub Convening was the insightful panel discussions that brought together thought leaders, educators, and industry experts from across Africa. These conversations provided a deep dive into some of the most pressing issues facing higher education on the continent, with a focus on innovation, resilience, and employability. In this feature, we spotlight two of these impactful discussions.
One panel focused on the crucial topic of enhancing graduate employability. Recognizing the rapidly evolving job market, the discussion, titled “Enhancing Graduate Employability in Africa through Resilience, Digital Competencies, and AI Integration“, explored strategies to equip graduates with the skills they need to thrive.
Moderated by Prasanth Kumar, Head of the Entrepreneur Academy at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco, the panel featured insights from distinguished guests: Prof. Robert Gateru, Vice Chancellor at Riara University, Kenya, shared valuable perspectives on curriculum development and faculty training critical for nurturing future-proof graduates. Bernard Ochan, Career Service Manager at Cavendish University, Uganda, offered insights on the importance of industry partnerships and bridging the gap between academia and the workplace.
The second panel spotlighted here delved into the topic of resilience in higher education, with a focus on Tanzania. This “fireside chat” explored the strategies and challenges involved in building and sustaining resilient higher education ecosystems that can adapt to changes and continue providing quality education in the face of adversity.
In this session, Vivian Deus, Senior Manager of Special Programs at The School of St. Jude, Tanzania, joined Jumanne Mtambalike, CEO of Sahara Venture, Tanzania, for an engaging discussion. They shared insights on the importance of resilience in higher education institutions, discussing how leadership, community engagement, and sustainable practices can help these institutions navigate an uncertain future and thrive.
These panel conversations from the East Africa Hub Convening reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue and action around education in Africa. Through discussions like these, we aim to inspire meaningful changes that empower both institutions and students across the continent.
