Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), October 15, 2025 (SPS) – The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is participating in the Africa Skills Week 2025, held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, from October 13 to 17, with a delegation led by Mr. Abdelkader Taleb Omar, member of the National Secretariat and Minister of Education, Training, and Vocational Formation.
The opening session, presided over by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, marked the official launch of the African Vocational Training Strategy for 2025–2034. The event was attended by Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Gaspard Banyankimbona, along with ministers of education and training from member states, international partners, financial institutions, research organizations, and young people committed to advancing education and skills development across the continent.
This event takes place at a time when Africa faces growing challenges due to the rapid increase in its youth population—making the development of a qualified workforce a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and seizing the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area. The week is a key milestone in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want,” which aims to empower youth, foster innovation, and promote knowledge- and skills-based development.
Throughout the week, several workshops and thematic panel discussions focused on advancing technical education, strengthening youth competencies, and showcasing successful African experiences in education and vocational training.
Minister Abdelkader Taleb Omar had the honor of serving on the chairing panel of the opening session, given that the Sahrawi Republic currently holds the position of Vice-Chair of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Education.
In another session, the Sahrawi minister took part in the first panel discussion alongside ministers from South Africa and The Gambia, as well as Ethiopia’s Deputy Minister of Labor and Skills. In his remarks, he highlighted the structural and material challenges facing the Sahrawi educational system, chiefly the illegal occupation of large parts of the national territory and the plundering of natural resources. He also presented the measures undertaken by the Sahrawi government to improve curricula, strengthen continuous training, and expand African and international cooperation frameworks.
The Sahrawi delegation also held bilateral meetings with several African ministers and officials, during which they exchanged experiences and explored ways to enhance cooperation in education, training, and skills development.
Additionally, the Ethiopian Minister of Labor and Skills hosted participating delegations at her ministry’s headquarters, presenting Ethiopia’s experience in employment and vocational training. She emphasized the importance of adopting an approach that encourages innovation, creativity, and forward thinking to address the various challenges of Africa’s labor market.
The participation of the Sahrawi Republic in this important continental event underscores its commitment to strengthening its presence within the African Union institutions and reaffirms its dedication to making education a fundamental pillar in building the Sahrawi individual capable of contributing to the renaissance and sustainable development of Africa.
Minister Abdelkader Taleb Omar was accompanied by Ambassador Ma El Ainin Lakhal, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Sahrawi Republic to Ethiopia and the African Union, and Hamdi Salek Did, Advisor for African Union Affairs.
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