According to Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, “The future of Africa is inextricably linked to the future of the world. With the youngest population globally, over 400 million youth aged between 15 and 35 years, Africa’s potential is vast.”
That the potential on the continent is vast is undeniably true. However, many challenges must be overcome to realise that potential.
The Main Challenges Facing Higher Education in Africa
One of the main impediments is access to education. Half of the world’s 251 million out- of-school children live in Africa. The enrolment rate in tertiary education is low, around 9%, compared to the global average of 38%.
Another challenge is the quality of education. Yes, keeping children in school is crucial, but it is equally important to focus on the quality of education and learning outcomes. This lack of quality education leads to high levels of youth unemployment and underemployment, with more than 25% of Africans aged 15-24 not in education, employment, or training.
However, the biggest challenge is related to the digital revolution. AI technologies have ushered in a new industrial age, a time of profound technological transformation that has altered how people live and work. However, there is a significant skills gap, as over 40% of young people entering the job market each year lack the necessary skills.
Transforming education systems to leverage this potential is essential. Every sector must play a part. Higher education must play a significant role in the coming years. It can do this by:
- Aligning academic programs with labor market demands.
- Fostering innovation in emerging sectors to create new job opportunities.
- Modernising curricula to include contemporary skills and knowledge can make graduates more competitive in the global economy.
Until higher education can achieve this, other players in the education space can offer complementary programs that help achieve all these aims. In the case of Adobe, it can assist in addressing Africa’s educational challenges through its digital-first micro-credentials.
What is a Micro-Credential?
These short, focused, and highly specific learning certifications are designed to help students achieve skill mastery very quickly.
What is the Value of a Micro-Credentials?
In general, they are a supercharged way to demonstrate expertise in specific areas.
Employers value them for their ability to quickly address skill gaps and adapt to evolving industry needs. They are much faster to attain than degrees, and they provide practical, job-ready skills. Through its slate of proprietary micro-credentials, Adobe can help Africa’s youth become an engine of growth, addressing social and economic needs while fostering a knowledge-driven economy.
Here’s a description of Adobe’s micro-credential courses:
Micro-Credential Courses Offered by Adobe
Introduction to generative AI
Unleash creativity with generative AI. Learn to turn text into visuals with Adobe Express. By mastering key concepts like text-to-image prompt engineering and leveraging generative AI tools, you’ll be equipped to produce original, attention-grabbing content that stands out in a crowded marketplace.
The value of this course – This course helps students master cutting-edge tools that boost employability. Businesses will benefit from hiring individuals fluent in generative AI, a rapidly growing field that can revolutionise branding, marketing, and content creation.
Job Application Essentials
Create engaging application materials with Adobe Express to share your story in interviews. Learn essential skills for crafting standout applications and gain confidence in communicating your skills.
The value of this course – This course builds confidence and ensures students’ applications stand out in crowded job markets.
Social Media Content Creation
Learn how to build a presence and connect with audiences. Create engaging content that will distinguish you in the marketplace as a creative learner.
The value of this course – Graduates gain a competitive edge by learning to navigate the ever-changing social media landscape. Businesses get access to teams that can produce content that drives engagement, builds brand loyalty, and delivers measurable results.
Podcasting Essentials
Dive in the world of podcasting with this practical course. Explore recording techniques, editing workflows, and promotional strategies to create podcasts that have a powerful impact on listeners.
The value of this course – The course provides the creative and technical skills needed to produce professional podcasts, a dynamic tool for branding, thought leadership, and audience engagement.
Presentation Design
Learn to create stunning presentations that leave an impression on clients. Learn how to create compelling stories and best practices in design to enhance presentations.
The value of this course – This course helps students present ideas effectively, an essential skill in any career.
Health and Science Communication
Transform complex health data into compelling visuals. Using Adobe Express and generative AI, students can produce visuals that clarify technical concepts and captivate diverse audiences.
The value of this course – Healthcare and science businesses get qualified professionals to create data-supported clarity to reach broader audiences.
Data Storytelling
Merge data with imagination. Master how to create visuals that condense data sets and share messages through appealing graphics that build data-driven narratives.
The value of this course – Students develop essential skills in data visualisation and storytelling. Businesses need these skills to communicate insights to stakeholders, clients, and teams effectively.
Product Pitch with Generative AI
Master the art of pitching in this course focused on creating compelling presentations for your ideas. Use generative AI and Adobe Express to design visuals, organise your thoughts, and deliver pitches that resonate with your audience.
The value of this course – Students develop confidence and creativity in presenting ideas effectively.
Storytelling through short-form Video
Learn to tell powerful stories in seconds with this course on short-form video creation. From scriptwriting to editing, you’ll gain practical skills for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. You’ll create videos that captivate audiences by leveraging trends on Adobe Express’s tools.
The value of this course – Graduates will learn how to create compelling content for fast-growing platforms.
Sports Media and Marketing Design
Enter the world of sports marketing with this course that combines branding, media creation, and Adobe tools. Gain insights into the sports industry’s unique opportunities and learn to design impactful campaigns that catch attention on and off the field.
The value of this course – Businesses can always benefit from professionals who understand sports marketing and its nuances.
Small Business Social Media Marketing
Empower your business with this all-encompassing course on social media strategy. From branding to analytics, you’ll learn how to create visually stunning posts, grow your audience, and run effective campaigns using Adobe Express.
The value of this course – Students get practical skills for building brands and driving engagement.
Community Event Marketing
Learn to market local events effectively. From creating promotional materials to defining strategies, students can gain the skills to engage communities and foster meaningful connections. Adobe Express tools make it easy to design impactful event collaboration.
The value of this course – Learners can find out how to plan and promote events that bring people together. Businesses benefit from enhanced even visibility, driving loyalty and long-term engagement.
Conclusion
Africa faces significant challenges that higher education must address to drive sustainable growth. Limited access to education, low enrolment in tertiary institutions, and rapid technological change have created a critical skills gap. While higher education can significantly contribute to addressing these challenges, Adobe’s digital micro-credentials offer a complementary solution. The equip Africa’s youth with in-demand skills that empower them to succeed in a global knowledge economy.
To learn more about Adobe’s micro-credentials and range of AI-powered tools, contact Learning Curve for a discovery call.