Building Career Pathways for Young Women in Africa

Helping young women move from education into meaningful work requires more than skills training. It also requires access to mentorship, professional networks, employers and opportunities for career progression. This challenge brought Africa Career Networks (ACN) into a continental conversation at the 2nd Egumeni Dialogue on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Addis Ababa.

At the invitation of the African Union Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, ACN contributed to the session, “From Schools to Jobs: Digital, Financial and Entrepreneurial Skills for the Transition to Work and Enterprise”, convened by AU/CIEFFA.

The discussion explored how investments in education and skills can translate into economic opportunities for young women, through both employment and entrepreneurship.

Connecting education and skills to economic opportunity

Digital, financial and entrepreneurial skills are important foundations for the transition to work and enterprise. The session considered a further question: how can the wider ecosystem help young women put those skills into practice?

For ACN, this means intentionally connecting learning to opportunity. Young people need access to people and organisations that can help them understand career options, gain professional exposure and navigate the workplace.

Mentors, employers, education providers and institutions all have a part to play in building these pathways. Their support matters both when young women enter the workforce and as they seek to progress throughout their careers.

Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development opened the session with a passionate call for collective action on women’s economic empowerment. Her contribution set the tone for a discussion about the responsibility shared across the ecosystem.

ACN contributes to the continental conversation

ACN Programme Manager Lesego Otlhabanye joined the panel alongside Mrs. Fatimata Tiendrebeogo Camara, Ms. Diop Fatou Binetou Ibrahima, Ms. Thando Gwinji, Ms. May-Marie Duwai-Sowa and Prof. Funmilayo Doherty.

The panel brought together perspectives on education, entrepreneurship, skills development and the transition into meaningful work.

A recurring theme was the need to ensure that investment in young women’s education leads to real opportunities and long-term career progression. Equipping young women with knowledge is one part of that work. Building connections to employers, professional communities and supportive institutions is another.

Through Africa Career Networks and AL for Governance at African Leadership Academy, we recognise the importance of bringing these elements together to support careers of impact.

Umholi We Africa fellows bring the conversation to life

The session held particular significance for ACN because Arlette Akingeneye, an alumna of the Umholi We Africa Fellowship, moderated it.

Having supported Arlette through her fellowship journey, it was meaningful to share a platform with her at the African Union. Hearing about her experience and contribution offered a reminder of what sustained investment in young African leaders can make possible.

The dialogue also provided an opportunity to connect with current fellow Emmanuel Mushy and learn about his experience working with the African Union Women, Gender and Youth Directorate.

These connections brought a personal dimension to the discussion: behind every conversation about skills and opportunity are young people building their professional journeys.

Building pathways into careers of impact

The transition from school to work is a shared responsibility. Education and training create a foundation, while mentorship, networks and employer engagement help young people take their next steps.

For young women, strengthening those connections is an important part of advancing economic empowerment. It means creating opportunities to apply their skills, build experience and continue developing as professionals and leaders.

ACN appreciates AU/CIEFFA, the African Union Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, and the African Union Commission for the opportunity to contribute to this continental conversation.

We remain committed to supporting the relationships and pathways that help young Africans pursue meaningful work and careers of impact.

Frequently asked questions

What helps young women transition from education to employment in Africa?

Alongside relevant skills, young women need access to mentorship, professional networks, employers and opportunities to gain experience. Coordinated support from education providers, employers and institutions can help connect learning to meaningful work and career progression.

What was the “From Schools to Jobs” session about?

The session explored digital, financial and entrepreneurial skills for the transition to work and enterprise. Convened by AU/CIEFFA during the 2nd Egumeni Dialogue in Addis Ababa, it examined how education and skills development can translate into economic opportunities for young women.

How did Africa Career Networks participate in the Egumeni Dialogue?

ACN Programme Manager Lesego Otlhabanye contributed to the panel discussion. Umholi We Africa Fellowship alumna Arlette Akingeneye moderated the session, and ACN also connected with current fellow Emmanuel Mushy.