The Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) 2.0 and Association for TVET Regulators in Africa (ATRA) Strategic Partners Consultative Meeting

Objective of the Conference

The ILO will participate in the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) 2.0 and Association for TVET Regulators in Africa (ATRA) Strategic Partners Consultative Meeting. The purpose of the SIFA 2.0 and ATRA Strategic Partners Consultative Meeting is to bring together strategic partners, African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), development partners, industry, and financial institutions to strengthen collaboration, mobilise strategic partnerships and resources, and agree on the next phase of implementation for the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA 2.0) and the operationalisation of the Association of TVET Regulators in Africa (ATRA). The meeting will also serve as a strategic preparatory engagement towards the Industrial Skills Week for Africa (ISWA) 2026, where both initiatives will be officially showcased.

More specifically, the meeting aimed at:

1. Present the SIFA 2.0 framework, its strategic priorities, and investment opportunities while also exploring synergies with ATRA and other continent-wide human capital development initiatives.
2. Validate the progress made towards the establishment and operationalisation of ATRA and elect its inaugural Steering Committee through a transparent and inclusive nomination and election process that ensures regional and institutional representation.
3. Secure strategic commitment from development partners, the private sector, financial institutions, and Member States towards the technical, financial, and institutional support required for the implementation of SIFA 2.0 and the operationalisation of ATRA.
4. Establish thematic working groups and identify partner champions to support implementation of priority workstreams under ATRA and SIFA 2.0.
5. Strengthen collaboration among AUDA-NEPAD, the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, Member States, industry, and development partners in advancing Africa's skills development, labour mobility, and workforce competitiveness agenda.
6. Confirm strategic partner participation, sponsorship, exhibitions, side events, and technical contributions for the Industrial Skills Week for Africa (ISWA) 2026, including the official launch of ATRA and the unveiling of SIFA 2.

Expected Outcomes

The meeting is expected to achieve the following outcomes:

1. The inaugural ATRA Steering Committee elected and constituted, with balanced regional and institutional representation.
2. The Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the ATRA Steering Committee reviewed, validated, and adopted.
3. SIFA 2.0 formally presented to strategic partners, with its implementation framework, priorities, and investment opportunities endorsed.
4. Strategic commitments secured from development partners, industry, financial institutions, and Member States to provide technical, financial, and institutional support for the operationalisation of ATRA and implementation of SIFA 2.0.
5. Thematic Working Groups established, with designated lead institutions, partner champions, and agreed implementation priorities.
6. A coordinated roadmap and partnership framework agreed for the operationalisation of ATRA and rollout of SIFA 2.0.
7. Strategic partner participation, exhibitions, sponsorship opportunities, and side events confirmed for the Industrial Skills Week for Africa (ISWA) 2026, including the official launch of ATRA and the introduction of SIFA 2.0.
8. A communiqué issued outlining the key decisions, commitments, and next steps agreed upon by the meet.