At the heart of the 23rd International Economic Forum on Africa:
Beyond the Sky committed to education and skills
On December 9, 2024, I had the honor of participating, as the founder and CEO of Beyond the Sky, in the 23rd International Economic Forum on Africa, organized at the headquarters of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in Paris. This high-level event brought together influential figures, including Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, and Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade of the African Union, to explore a critical theme: education and skills in Africa.
A shared vision for the future of education in Africa
With a working-age population expected to double by 2050, reaching nearly 1.2 billion people, Africa is at a decisive turning point. According to the OECD, only 15% of young people in Africa undergo vocational training that aligns with labor market needs. These alarming figures guided the discussions at the meeting, where personalities such as Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, and Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director for Education and Skills, highlighted innovative solutions to address these challenges.
As a startup engaged in international topics, Beyond the Sky had the honor of participating in this event. Our role, reinforced by our position as an official service provider for the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, allows us to approach global discussions with a unique perspective. This recognition inspires our commitment to creating solutions tailored to global challenges.
Beyond the Sky: A reflection aligned with global challenges
As an entrepreneur and founder of Beyond the Sky, my participation in this meeting allowed me to exchange ideas with thought leaders and reflect on how our company could eventually contribute to these initiatives. Beyond the Sky firmly believes that high-end services, such as hospitality or security support, can benefit from a qualified local workforce. For example, envisioning eco-friendly hotel stays in Kenya managed by local talent illustrates the positive impact education can have on the industry.
Inspiring discussions for a promising future
During the exchanges, figures such as Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, emphasized the importance of inclusive financing to transform African educational systems. Furthermore, Albert Muchanga reminded us that trade and education are inseparable in building a prosperous African continent.
This meeting also provided me with the opportunity to observe how international organizations and private companies can work hand in hand to tackle these challenges. Discussions with speakers such as Gilbert Bawara, Togolese Minister for Public Service Reform, and Moustapha Sow, President of SF Group, were particularly enriching.
A conclusion focused on action and hope
This experience at the OECD reinforced my belief that dialogue, collaboration, and innovation are essential to addressing educational challenges in Africa. Beyond the Sky, though a young startup, aspires to play a modest yet significant role in building bridges between local and international stakeholders.
I invite you to follow our journey and discover how Beyond the Sky continues to evolve to address global challenges while staying true to its values of excellence and innovation. This landmark event is just the beginning, and we are proud to be part of an international dialogue shaping the future.
Discover Beyond the Sky’s initiatives in the Newsroom section of our website throughout the year.
At the heart of the 23rd International Economic Forum on Africa:
Beyond the Sky committed to education and skills
On December 9, 2024, I had the honor of participating, as the founder and CEO of Beyond the Sky, in the 23rd International Economic Forum on Africa, organized at the headquarters of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in Paris. This high-level event brought together influential figures, including Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, and Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade of the African Union, to explore a critical theme: education and skills in Africa.
A shared vision for the future of education in Africa
With a working-age population expected to double by 2050, reaching nearly 1.2 billion people, Africa is at a decisive turning point. According to the OECD, only 15% of young people in Africa undergo vocational training that aligns with labor market needs. These alarming figures guided the discussions at the meeting, where personalities such as Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, and Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director for Education and Skills, highlighted innovative solutions to address these challenges.
As a startup engaged in international topics, Beyond the Sky had the honor of participating in this event. Our role, reinforced by our position as an official service provider for the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, allows us to approach global discussions with a unique perspective. This recognition inspires our commitment to creating solutions tailored to global challenges.
Beyond the Sky: A reflection aligned with global challenges
As an entrepreneur and founder of Beyond the Sky, my participation in this meeting allowed me to exchange ideas with thought leaders and reflect on how our company could eventually contribute to these initiatives. Beyond the Sky firmly believes that high-end services, such as hospitality or security support, can benefit from a qualified local workforce. For example, envisioning eco-friendly hotel stays in Kenya managed by local talent illustrates the positive impact education can have on the industry.
Inspiring discussions for a promising future
During the exchanges, figures such as Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, emphasized the importance of inclusive financing to transform African educational systems. Furthermore, Albert Muchanga reminded us that trade and education are inseparable in building a prosperous African continent.
This meeting also provided me with the opportunity to observe how international organizations and private companies can work hand in hand to tackle these challenges. Discussions with speakers such as Gilbert Bawara, Togolese Minister for Public Service Reform, and Moustapha Sow, President of SF Group, were particularly enriching.
A conclusion focused on action and hope
This experience at the OECD reinforced my belief that dialogue, collaboration, and innovation are essential to addressing educational challenges in Africa. Beyond the Sky, though a young startup, aspires to play a modest yet significant role in building bridges between local and international stakeholders.
I invite you to follow our journey and discover how Beyond the Sky continues to evolve to address global challenges while staying true to its values of excellence and innovation. This landmark event is just the beginning, and we are proud to be part of an international dialogue shaping the future.
Discover Beyond the Sky’s initiatives in the Newsroom section of our website throughout the year.
