A new network of African master trainers will support countries in strengthening work-based learning systems that respond to labour market needs and expand pathways to decent work.
The network was launched during a five-day workshop held from 25 to 29 May 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, where the International Labour Organization (ILO) brought together 20 trainers from across Africa to co-design a practical training package on work-based learning. The initiative aims to support technical and vocational education and training systems, employer engagement, quality apprenticeships and more inclusive skills development.
The workshop is part of the Strategic Skills Partnership Initiative for Innovation and Excellence in Vocational Education and Training, implemented by the ILO under the Global Vocational Education and Training Agenda and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research through the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).
Co-designing training for African realities
Drawing on their experience in skills development and apprenticeship systems, participants worked together to develop practical training modules tailored to African contexts. The modules focus on key challenges facing work-based learning systems, including employer engagement, sustainable financing, quality apprenticeships, collaboration between training institutions and enterprises, and the integration of gender equality and inclusion.
The training package is intended to support capacity-building efforts across technical and vocational education and training institutions, employers' and workers' organizations, and other skills development stakeholders throughout Africa. Members of the network will support the delivery of training within their own countries and professional networks.
Strengthening skills systems
Work-based learning, including apprenticeships and other forms of workplace training, can play an important role in helping young people and adults acquire skills that are relevant to labour market needs. However, access to quality work-based learning opportunities remains limited in many countries.
The Master Trainer Network seeks to strengthen national capacities to design, implement and expand quality work-based learning programmes. The initiative is guided by the Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation, 2023 (No. 208) and supports the objectives of the African Union Continental Technical and Vocational Education and Training Strategy 2025-34.
"Skills are the defining element of our times - in a world of work in constant evolution," said Vanessa Phala, ILO Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Liberia, at the opening of the workshop. "Workplaces are - besides school and the community - the most important space for learning throughout our lives and careers. Quality work-based learning is an enabler of productivity, innovation and decent work".
Looking ahead
The modules developed during the workshop will be refined through virtual validation sessions before being finalized and rolled out across participating networks. Members of the Master Trainer Network will also develop action plans to pilot and adapt the training in their home countries, supported by ongoing peer learning and exchange through the Strategic Skills Partnership Initiative Africa platform.
The Abuja workshop marks an important step towards strengthening collaboration among skills development practitioners and institutions across Africa, helping to build more effective and inclusive work-based learning systems that support productive employment and decent work.
