Africa Day 2024: The Importance of Education and Skills Development for the Growth of Africa’s MICE Sector

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The African Union Declares 2024 as the Year of Education: A Catalyst for Growth in the Events and Exhibitions Industry

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) has made a significant declaration by naming 2024 as the Year of Education, emphasizing the importance of accelerating progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4): “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” This decision underscores the transformative power of education in fostering a sustainable and equitable world.

Devi Paulsen-Abbott, Chairperson of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), highlighted the crucial role of education in a country’s development, stating that without it, meaningful progress across all sectors, including the African events and exhibitions industry, becomes unattainable.

Investing in education and skills development plays a pivotal role in shaping a country’s economic landscape. By building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, countries in Africa can drive economic growth and development. Education also serves as a powerful tool for poverty reduction, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing labor productivity, leading to higher economic growth rates and increased global competitiveness.

Members and stakeholders of AAXO shared their perspectives on the impact of education in the events and exhibitions sector in various African countries:

In Libya, collaborations between industry professionals and educational institutions have led to significant improvements in the MICE sector, with investments in education enhancing professionalism, quality, and innovation.

In Kenya, partnerships between industry stakeholders and educational institutions are driving the growth and enhancement of the MICE sector, with a focus on integrating theoretical learning with practical applications to provide students with valuable hands-on experience.

In South Africa, education and skills development are deemed essential for the success of the MICE sector, with AAXO prioritizing vocational training and education to support the industry’s growth and sustainability.

AAXO is set to host the AAXO Leadership Summit on June 4, 2024, featuring practical workshops on critical areas such as sales strategies, sustainability, media engagement, and team building. These initiatives aim to provide career and leadership development opportunities for professionals in the industry.

As Africa celebrates Africa Day in 2024, the focus on education and skills development within the MICE sector is crucial for driving economic growth and development on the continent. By prioritizing partnerships and collaborations, Africa can unlock the full potential of the MICE industry and build a brighter future for the continent.