The global President of the CFA Institute, Marg Franklin, has challenged African countries to prepare for its projected 400 million new workforce by empowering the current young ones with the right skills ahead of 2035.
Franklin stated this on Wednesday in Lagos at the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference themed “The Emergence of Africa: A Rethink or A Restrategizing?”
Citing a World Bank projection that Africa would have more than 400 million new workforces by 2035, the CFA President said the continent has a lot of work to do before that time to bridge the current skills gaps among the young ones.
According to her, while the young population of Africa is an asset for the continent, there is a need to educate them and get them prepared for the work ahead.
Specifically, Franklin said the young African population will need to be well-educated financially before they enter the workforce.
This, she said would help the continent to build an army of financial professionals to drive its economy.
Speaking on the need to attract more investments to the continent, Franklin said Africa will need to develop solutions that apply to their markets and their people.
She noted that investments no longer come as easily as before, hence, more efforts must be put into ensuring that solutions coming out of the continent can guarantee returns on investments.
Earlier in her welcome address, the President of CFA Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji noted that the conference marks a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of advancing investment opportunities that drive sustainable growth in Africa.
She noted that the conference has provided an opportunity for the African countries to unlock the immense potential that the continent holds, she added that such potentials as a Vibrant economy, rich resources, young and ambitious populations amongst other potentials.
