By: Mining.com

Vuka Group’s Mining Review Africa is set to bring together industry executives to explore practical solutions for building a skilled mining workforce across Africa.

The discussion will unpack key factors contributing to the skills shortage, as well as examine how stronger collaboration between mining companies, universities, and technical and vocational education and training institutions can help bridge the gap.

It will also consider how digitalisation and automation are reshaping workforce requirements, alongside what this means for the next generation of mining professionals.

Participants can expect insights on key causes of the skills shortage, strengthening collaborations, the impact of digitisation, strategies for developing the next generation of professionals and practical solutions. Participants can also learn about how regional collaboration can develop a skilled workforce, as well as preventing the brain drain in African mining.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), many African economies are facing a dual challenge of lacking skilled workers, as well as not having enough quality jobs available to give workers an incentive to further build their skills.

Over 80% of African youths in school aspire to work in highly skilled occupations, but only 8% find such jobs.

OECD adds that roughly 82% of all workers in Africa are employed informally, such as low-pay, low-quality, and low-protection activities. In comparison, this is only 52% in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 73% in developing Asia.

As Mining.com.au reported, Africa is one of the most resource-rich regions globally, with mineral endowments that underpin local economies and international supply chains.

In the past, the continent’s precious metals reserves took precedence, and the industry thrived across South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, in particular for gold, platinum group metals, and diamonds.

Africa accounts for 92% of global platinum group metals production, 56% of cobalt, 54% of manganese, 36% of chromium, and 22% of global vanadium production.

Vuka Group connects people and organisations to information and each other through signature in-person and digital environments. The group has been connecting businesses in Africa for 20 years, providing access to key contacts, innovative thinking and business opportunities.