As the world economy continues to evolve, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills are becoming increasingly important. These disciplines form the bedrock of innovation, driving advancements that propel economies forward. For African economies, the development of STEM skills is particularly crucial. As the continent seeks to diversify its economies and reduce dependence on natural resources, fostering a skilled workforce is essential. Countries that invest in STEM education are better positioned to innovate and compete in the global market. For instance, Rwanda’s focus on ICT has transformed it into a regional tech hub, attracting significant foreign investment and creating numerous job opportunities. This article explores the importance of STEM education in fostering economic growth and competitiveness in Africa, and how businesses and governments can work together to prepare the workforce of tomorrow.
STEM Skills: Powering Innovation and Prosperity
STEM skills are critical in many of today’s high-demand jobs, from developing life-saving medications to designing innovative smartphone apps and building the next generation of AI-powered technologies. As automation and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to reshape the global job market, the demand for STEM-related skills is skyrocketing. In fact, STEM proficiency is increasingly sought-after across a wide range of traditionally non-STEM professions. Employers value the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that STEM education imparts. Even in fields like human resources, a decent STEM background can significantly bolster one’s data analysis capabilities, leading to more effective talent recruitment and training strategies.
My Master’s degree thesis research at the University of Warwick highlighted the profound impact of adolescent math skills on adult earnings. This study, using data from the UK’s National Child Development Study, found that individuals who excelled in math during their school years earned significantly more as adults, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. This correlation underscores the long-term economic benefits of strong STEM education. While this study was conducted in the UK, the insights are globally relevant and have been corroborated by numerous researchers. For instance, the 2016 ‘Future of Jobs’ report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) cites a popular estimate that 65% of children entering primary school today will end up working in completely new job types that do not yet exist. Similarly, a 2017 study by the McKinsey Global Institute notes that 20 to 50 million new jobs could be created by 2030, due to technological advancements. This further emphasizes the importance of equipping the workforce with robust STEM skills to meet future job demands.
Current Challenges in STEM Education in Africa
In Africa, the need for STEM education is particularly acute. Despite the continent’s potential, several challenges hinder the development of a skilled workforce. Insufficient funding, outdated curricula, and socio-economic barriers are just a few obstacles that must be overcome to build a competitive and innovative economy. Despite a growing recognition of the importance of STEM education, several systemic challenges continue to impede progress:
Insufficient Funding and Resources: One of the most pressing issues faced by educational institutions in Africa is chronic underfunding. Schools and universities across the continent grapple with limited financial resources, resulting in inadequate materials, outdated curricula, and insufficient laboratory equipment. This resource scarcity significantly impacts the quality of STEM education provided by these institutions.
The 2021 UNESCO Science Report highlights that research and development receive less than 1% of the GDP in many African countries, compared to the global average of 1.73%. This lack of investment stifles innovation and hampers the development of a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a modern economy.
The scarcity of qualified teachers further worsens the educational challenges faced by many schools. Many schools do not have enough instructors who possess the necessary expertise and training to effectively teach STEM subjects. This gap is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where access to education is already limited. This shortage severely impacts the quality of education, hindering students’ ability to acquire essential knowledge and skills. Addressing this is crucial for improving educational outcomes and fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and sustainable development.
Socio-economic Factors: Socio-economic factors such as poverty, limited access to quality education, and parental influences can create a burden for many students in school. Poor families often find it difficult to cover the costs of school fees, uniforms, textbooks, and other educational materials. This financial pressure usually forces many students to leave school prematurely to work and help support their families. In addition, students in schools in rural areas tend to suffer the most due to limited access to proper educational infrastructure. Parental education can also play a crucial role in shaping children’s educational outcomes. Parents with limited educational backgrounds may struggle to offer the necessary support and resources for their children to excel in school, particularly in STEM subjects, which often require a higher level of technical understanding and guidance.
Persistent Gender Inequity: Gender disparities in STEM education remain a pressing issue. Fewer girls pursue STEM careers due to cultural norms, a lack of encouragement, and limited access to resources. According to the 2015 UNESCO Science Report, women represent only 30% of science professionals in Africa. Addressing this gender gap is crucial not only for achieving gender equity but also for unlocking the full potential of Africa’s workforce.
Implications for Business Leaders
Business leaders play a pivotal role in the development of STEM skills within their organizations to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and maintain competitiveness. Companies that invest in STEM talent are better positioned to develop new products, improve processes, and leverage cutting-edge technologies. By leveraging the expertise of their skilled employees, these companies drive continuous innovation and maintain a competitive edge (think Google, Apple, etc.).
In addition, as automation and AI become more prevalent, the demand for STEM skills will only increase. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, 50% of all employees will need reskilling due to technology adoption. Business leaders who prioritize STEM education within their organizations position themselves well for the future, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in the face of technological advancements.
So, what steps can leaders take to move the needle?
Prioritize stem skills during hiring: Integrating assessments during the recruitment process to identify candidates with the necessary STEM capabilities can help towards ensuring a future-proof workforce.
Foster a culture of continuous learning: Leaders must encourage an enabling environment where a growth mindset is seen as the standard. Tangible ways to demonstrate this include by providing resources and support for employees to pursue ongoing education in STEM-related areas. Cross-functional teams, with HR at the helm, should develop comprehensive training programs to enhance STEM skills within the organization.
Bridge the gap with educational institutions: While this is not an oft-used option, I believe it holds a lot of promise. Business leaders have the unique opportunity to collaborate with universities and technical schools to establish internship and mentorship programs. These programs can provide valuable real-world experience for students while strengthening the organization’s talent pipeline for the future.
The Role of the Government and Public-Private Partnerships
To effectively foster STEM skills, substantial investments in educational infrastructure are imperative. Governments should prioritize funding for modern laboratories, updated curricula, scholarships and other financial incentives for students, and rigorous teacher training programs, amongst others. Investing in technology-enhanced learning environments can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. For instance, equipping schools with computer labs and internet access can facilitate interactive learning and exposure to global educational resources.
Another secret ingredient is public-private partnerships. Public-private partnerships can play a major role in propelling STEM education forward in Africa if used effectively. A prime example is the collaboration between Microsoft and the Nigerian government, which aims to equip five million people with digital skills within three years. Such partnerships leverage the strengths of both the public and private sectors to achieve large-scale impact.
Some of the ways in which the government and private institutions can work together include:
Targeted training programs focused on in-demand STEM skills, ensuring accessibility for all, including marginalized groups and women.
Industry-aligned education by fostering partnerships among businesses, universities, and vocational/technical schools to create curriculums that reflect industry needs and provide students with practical experience. A good example of this is one which my previous employer participated in – the Ready, Set, Work initiative by the Lagos State government, aimed at providing practical learning opportunities and employability skills for final year students in the state.
Promoting gender equity by implementing initiatives to empower more girls and women to pursue STEM careers. This could include mentorship programs, scholarships, and campaigns that challenge cultural norms.
The Road Ahead
Equipping Africa’s workforce with in-demand STEM skills is critical for success in the evolving global economy. As my prior research and global studies confirm, prioritizing STEM education is essential for individual and national economic prosperity. Governments, businesses, and educational institutions must join forces to create an enabling environment that fosters these skills and prepares the emerging African workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
About the author:
Onyinyechi is a workforce development and human resources professional with an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, US and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Warwick, UK. With extensive experience in leadership development, learning and development, organizational development, change management, and human capital consulting, she has led several successful business and workforce initiatives in both the private and public sectors. Passionate about education and upskilling, Onyinyechi dedicates time to providing career coaching for under-resourced youth.
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