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Written by Dibora Kebede, Regional Focal Point for Africa, SDSN Youth
Young people across Africa face many opportunities and challenges as they prepare for the job market. While education remains important, employers increasingly value skills such as communication, digital literacy, networking, creativity, and problem-solving. To help young people strengthen these skills and prepare for future opportunities, the SDSN Youth African Network Coordinators organized a three-day virtual capacity-building workshop titled "Empowering Youth for Employability." The initiative was a combined success thanks to the efforts of SDSN Youth Benin, SDSN Youth Cameroon, SDSN Youth Ghana, SDSN Youth Kenya, SDSN Youth Nigeria, and SDSN Youth South Africa.
The workshops took place across May 14, May 16, and May 21, 2026, through Zoom and welcomed African youth, university students, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals interested in advancing their careers and professional development. The event brought together expert speakers from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Benin, and South Africa, who shared practical knowledge and real-life experiences on personal branding, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and career growth. Through engaging presentations, interactive discussions, and question-and-answer sessions, participants gained valuable insights that can help them navigate today's evolving job market.
The first session focused on Personal Branding and LinkedIn for Career Growth. The session featured Ribka Leulseged (Ethiopia) and Dr. Chibuzor Azodo (Nigeria) and was moderated by Dibora Kebede, Regional Focal Point for Africa at SDSN Youth. The discussion explored the importance of building an authentic professional identity and using LinkedIn effectively to create career opportunities and professional connections.
One of the strongest messages from the session encouraged participants to embrace their individuality rather than imitate others. As emphasized during the discussion: “Don't copy, just be yourself.” The speakers emphasized that success does not come from becoming a copy of someone else but from understanding and developing one's own unique strengths, values, and talents.
This message reminded participants that professional growth does not come from trying to become someone else. Instead, it comes from understanding what makes each person unique and using those qualities to create a meaningful professional identity. The speakers also highlighted the importance of reputation and how people are perceived in professional settings. Another memorable quote shared during the session was: “A brand is what others say about you when you aren't in the room.” This idea encouraged participants to think beyond resumes and qualifications and focus on building trust, professionalism, and positive relationships.
Moving from developing a personal branding to Leveraging Digital Tools and Platforms, the second session featured James Sanding (Kenya) and Nkemzi Stacey (Cameroon) and was moderated by Oluwatobiloba Ojuoluwa from SDSN Youth Nigeria. The speakers discussed how digital technologies are transforming workplaces and highlighted practical tools that can improve productivity, communication, collaboration, and career development.
A key takeaway from the session was the message, “Digital tools are no longer optional. They're essential for success in today's world.” The speakers highlighted how technology has become an integral part of education, employment, entrepreneurship, and communication. Leveraging digital tools allows individuals to work smarter, reach further, and create greater impact. As workplaces continue to evolve, developing digital skills is essential for staying competitive, adapting to change, and unlocking new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
To conclude, the final session, which focused on Entrepreneurship and Startup Design, featured Dossiya Dakou (Benin) and Talita Boodhram (South Africa) and was moderated by Kamagano Sethono, SDSN Youth South Africa Network Coordinator. The discussion encouraged participants to think creatively about solving problems, identifying opportunities, and developing innovative ideas that can create positive social and economic impact.
Another inspiring statement shared during the session was, “We are not poor in ideas. We are rich in problems to solve, people to serve, and systems to build.” This message challenged participants to shift their perspective on entrepreneurship. Rather than waiting for the perfect idea, aspiring entrepreneurs were encouraged to identify real problems around them and develop solutions that create value. Africa is full of opportunities hidden within everyday challenges, whether in education, healthcare, agriculture, technology, or environmental sustainability. The speakers emphasized that entrepreneurship begins with understanding people's needs and building systems that improve lives. By focusing on service, innovation, and impact, young entrepreneurs can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change.
Reflecting on the Collaboration
The success of the workshops was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of the SDSN Youth Network Coordinators of Africa, the moderators and speakers, and participants who contributed their time, expertise, and enthusiasm throughout the three-day series. Their collective efforts created a valuable learning experience that empowered young people across Africa to take meaningful steps toward their career goals and professional growth.
Looking ahead, the SDSN Youth networks across the continent will continue to identify opportunities to mobilize and empower youth in the region, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to build a sustainable future.
The recordings of the session are available here.
For any inquiries, please reach out to youth@unsdsn.org