Ethiopia launches first Sector Skills Body for Agro processing through ILO support

The ILO supports the government’s efforts to link Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), enhance industry partnerships, and promote employability for the many young graduates entering the job market.

With support from the ILO, the first Sector Skills Body (SSB) in the agro-processing sector was officially launched by H.E. Dr. Teshale Berecha, State Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ethiopian Ministry of Labour and Skills, in August 2024. The SSB comprises private sectors, sub-sectors, training and certification agencies, and trade unions.

During the launch, speakers highlighted that many African countries are addressing unemployment, underemployment, and job scarcity by focusing on sectoral approaches to skilling and employability. This demand-driven approach, which links with employers, fosters innovation and provides state-of-the-art training, skills matching, and recognition of lifelong learning talents, ultimately enhancing productivity.

“The establishment of the Sector Skills Body (SSB) symbolizes our commitment to aligning education and training with industry needs. Today, we officially launch the Agro-processing SSB, a pilot initiative that has received substantial technical and financial support from the ILO over the past few years,” stated H.E. Dr. Teshale Berecha, State Minister for Technical and Vocational Education, Ministry of Labour and Skills.

Through the ProAgro Ethiopia “Promoting Decent Employment in the Agribusiness Sector” project, the ILO has been providing technical guidance through its Skills Specialists and leveraging collaboration with partners such as GIZ and the World Bank’s Skills and Employability program. The project also dedicated resources for regional and South-South cooperation experience sharing in India and China (to capture private sector-led models), as well as in South Africa and Ghana (on examples of Sector Skills Bodies). Additionally, short-term training at the ITC/ILO knowledge centre in Turin was facilitated by the project. These exposures culminated in national ownership and a commitment to proceed with setting up the SSB and developing a roadmap for future skills development.

Ethiopian employers have recognized their active role and commitment in the successful implementation of sector skills governance and training. Dr. Dawit Mogus, President of the Federation of Ethiopian Employers Association (FEEA), speaking on behalf of the SSB, outlined that the SSB will serve as a bridge between industry needs and workforce skills.

Ms. Susanne Duering, representative of the German Embassy in Ethiopia, applauded the joint commitment of the tripartite constituents. She emphasized that productivity and decent employment are realized when people have access to jobs and wages through inclusive talent development.

Reiterating the continued support of the ILO, Project Manager Anthony Agyenta said, “The ILO will continue to support the government’s efforts to link Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), enhance industry partnerships, and promote employability for the many young graduates entering the job market.”

The ILO ProAgro Ethiopia project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The national media and development partners engaged with the SSB have widely disseminated the message of the Government’s dedication to this agenda.

Written by Mintwab Yemane