What skills will young people need to thrive in the years ahead? During the Erasmus+ Week in Dakar, Senegal, Erasmus+ National Focal Points (ENFPs) from across Sub-Saharan Africa shared a clear message: – developing skills is about much more than preparing for employment. It is also about equipping young people to adapt to change, build connections and create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
ENFPs pointed to the need to better bridge the gap between education and the realities of the labour market. Digital literacy, STEM, and artificial intelligence were identified, alongside critical thinking, resilience and adaptability, as in-demand skills. Empathy, tolerance, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication were also emphasised as essential skills for navigating a rapidly changing world.
“Networking is key, and with networking come a lot of ideas.” Annastasia Sinalumbu, ENFP Namibia
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ENFP Namibia contact page:
https://erasmus-networks.ec.europa.eu/group/37/home/topic/enfp-countryterritory-namibia
Inequality and access issues
The discussions also highlighted continuing challenges around inequality and access to education. Rural communities can face limited infrastructure, connectivity, and access to information, while gender inequalities take different forms depending on the national context. For ENFPs, this makes their information and outreach role as important as the opportunities themselves.
“We need to expand sensitisation, because many young people are still not aware of the opportunities available to them.” Private Mchenga, ENFP Malawi
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ENFP Malawi contact page:
https://erasmus-networks.ec.europa.eu/group/37/home/topic/enfp-countryterritory-malawi
Erasmus+ can help close these gaps through mobility, capacity building, digital skills development, and stronger links between education and industry. ENFPs also shared examples of how participation in the Erasmus+ Programme can change mindsets, build confidence, and enable young people to bring new ideas back to their institutions and communities.
Learning goes both ways
One of the strongest messages from Dakar Erasmus+ Week was that international cooperation should not be seen as a one-way transfer of knowledge. African institutions, young people, and communities bring their own experience, innovation, and solutions to the partnership.
“Africa needs Europe, but Europe also needs Africa.” Eric Tillous, ENFP Côte d’Ivoire
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ENFP Côte d’Ivoire contact page:
https://erasmus-networks.ec.europa.eu/group/37/home/topic/enfp-countryterritory-ivory-coast
A final message from the ENFPs summed up what the Erasmus+ spirit of mutual learning, inclusion and partnership can mean in practice: it is not simply about equipping young people for tomorrow’s labour market but also enabling them to shape it and to create opportunities for others along the way.
© Images and videos: PRACSIS/ENFP 2026
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