Concept Note

Introduction:

The Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA), was born out of a resolution of the General Assembly of Heads of Member Institutions of the Commonwealth Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA) taken on 29th of August 2019 in Kigali, Rwanda. This decision was ratified by the Ministers of Education from AU member states at the Third Ordinary Session of the Specialized Committee on Education, Science and Technology (STC – EST III) on December 13, 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The African Union’s STC – EST III resolved to “TAKE NOTE of the rebranding of the CAPA to the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA), and to encourage Technical Universities and Polytechnics in their countries to join this continental Association”. The mandate of the pan-African Association is to support professional and skills development amongst its membership mostly drawn from TVET institutions in Africa. In order to stimulate exchanges of experience and ideas, the Association regularly organizes and provides forums for discussion of matters of common interests amongst members and the TVET stakeholders. At the General Assembly of Heads of Member Institutions held on the 31st of August 2023, the members unanimously granted the Republic of Kenya the hosting rights for the 2024 annual conference.

Context and Background:
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a crucial role in fostering economic development and societal transformation in Africa. As the continent faces various challenges in its quest for sustainable development, it is imperative to revolutionize TVET by embracing innovations that can enhance its effectiveness and relevance. The Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) is organizing a conference to discuss and explore innovative approaches and solutions that can transform TVET in Africa and promote sustainable development.

Objectives
The conference will aim to achieve the following objectives:

1. Facilitate discussions and knowledge sharing on innovative approaches to revitalize TVET systems in Africa.
2. Promote partnerships and collaboration among universities, polytechnics, industry players, and policymakers to enhance TVET curricula.
3. Explore strategies for integrating entrepreneurship and business development skills within TVET programs.
4. Discuss the role of TVET in supporting sustainable development goals and addressing the needs of the labor market in Africa.
5. Showcase successful case studies and best practices in TVET from different African countries.
6. Promote networking and partnerships among participants for future collaborations in the TVET field.
7. Highlight successful experiences and best practices in revolutionizing TVET.
8. Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with embracing innovations in TVET.
9. Identify strategies to mainstream innovations and technology in TVET curricula, pedagogy, and assessment methods.
10. Develop a framework for enhancing the quality and relevance of TVET programs in Africa.