As global attention turns to youth capability-building for World Youth Skills Day, the urgency to prepare Africa’s next generation for tomorrow’s economy intensifies. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills are pivotal to innovation and development, yet industries worldwide grapple with severe talent shortages and a persistent gender imbalance. Projections from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 indicate Africa requires over 23 million STEM graduates by 2030 to meet market needs. South Africa faces acute pressure, with dwindling enrollments in core science subjects exacerbating deficits in engineering and technical expertise.
Hands-On Inspiration: Bridging the Skills Gap
In a strategic response, ABB South Africa is spearheading initiatives to ignite young passion for STEM. A flagship collaboration with the University of Pretoria saw the company actively support EBIT Week 2025 – a dynamic four-day immersion programme orchestrated by the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT). Targeting Grades 10-12 learners, the event blended theory with practical industry exposure, demystifying engineering and tech pathways for 302 students and illuminating tangible career possibilities.
Cynthia Khoali, ABB’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, emphasized transformative action over rhetoric: "Empowering youth with future-shaping skills isn't just discussion; it demands showing them what’s achievable. We spark curiosity and instill the confidence that they belong in STEM fields. EBIT Week breaks down barriers, opens doors, and plants the seeds for ambitious careers," she stated. This initiative underpins ABB’s enduring pledge to cultivate a diverse, sustainable STEM talent pipeline, specifically championing young women’s inclusion to narrow the gender gap in technical professions.
Beyond the Classroom: Experiencing the Future Firsthand
Complementing EBIT Week, ABB hosted its Youth Empowerment Day in June 2025 at its Longmeadow campus. Seventy-five learners and graduates from technical schools explored the continent’s pioneering ABB Digital Solutions Centre. Participants engaged directly with transformative technologies – advanced automation, virtual reality, and digitalisation tools driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Activities included tours of ABB’s Demo Vehicles, motivational talks by professionals and young graduates, and interactive sessions designed to crystallize career aspirations.
Reflecting on the power of exposure, Khoali noted, "When youth see, touch, and experience the future firsthand, a shift occurs. Their perspective transforms. They envision themselves not merely as spectators, but as the future engineers, creators, and problem-solvers leading innovation. That’s the profound impact of these programmes – unlocking life-changing inspiration."
Addressing Systemic Hurdles
The events spotlighted broader STEM education challenges in South Africa. Despite rising mathematics completion rates, declining physical science enrollments reveal systemic barriers hindering pursuit of technical disciplines. ABB’s initiatives confront these obstacles head-on, demonstrating the relevance, accessibility, and vast potential of STEM careers while encouraging perseverance in these demanding fields.
Through sustained support for EBIT Week, Youth Empowerment Day, and allied STEM ventures, ABB South Africa positions itself as an engine for skills advancement, diversity, and innovation. As World Youth Skills Day underscores the global imperative for future-ready talent, ABB reaffirms its dual commitment: advancing technology while equally investing in the engineers, technologists, and innovators who will forge a more resilient and sustainable South Africa.
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