Children’s Day: Expert Emphasizes Empowerment as Solution to Africa’s $3.3 Trillion Skills Gap

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating Children’s Day 2025, Awoyomi Damilola, the team lead of the Strom Foundation, has highlighted that targeted empowerment initiatives for children are essential in addressing Africa’s annual $3.3 trillion skills deficit.

Damilola shared this insight in a statement commemorating this year’s Children’s Day celebration.

While speaking at a special program held at Government Junior Secondary School, Apo Resettlement, Damilola pointed out that investing in the mental and practical development of young individuals is pivotal to driving sustainable progress across the African continent.

He stressed that equipping children with relevant skills from an early age does not only promote academic excellence but also contributes significantly to long-term socio-economic development in both Nigeria and Africa at large.

“Africa loses about $3.3 trillion each year due to a growing skills gap, with the continent ranking lowest in global education indicators,” Damilola stated, referencing data from the United Nations.

“Our youth are the continent’s greatest assets. If we envision a brighter future, we must commit to shaping stronger, more capable minds today.”

In the official statement, Damilola further emphasized the need to inspire African children to aspire towards greatness, support their educational journey through the provision of learning materials, and link outstanding young talents with long-term mentorship programs that can guide their personal and academic development.