Africa is a continent under construction—but who is building it? Roads, bridges, energy plants, and digital infrastructure are rising across our nations, yet too often, the hands doing the work are not our own. Why? Because we have not invested in the right kind of education—an education that equips our people with the skills to build, create, and innovate.

Our education systems, inherited from colonial structures, were designed to produce employees for administrative offices, not entrepreneurs, scientists, or engineers. We have trained generations to seek office jobs rather than to master the trades and technologies that drive real economic growth. As a result, we face a paradox: Africa has millions of unemployed graduates while critical industries—construction, manufacturing, energy, and technology—struggle to find skilled workers.

When I travel across Africa—from West to East, from Central to Southern Africa—I see the same pattern. Chinese companies are building our roads and airports. Turkish firms are constructing our homes and schools, while also dominating private hospitals and educational institutions. Foreign companies are the ones exploiting our natural resources, processing our gold, lithium, oil, and gas, while our own people remain unemployed.

The opportunities are right here, yet we remain poorer in our own lands. Why? Because we have not built the expertise to claim these opportunities for ourselves. The jobs exist—but they are benefiting others.

Africa is projected to have the world’s largest workforce by 2050. Our continent is growing, urbanizing, and modernizing. But without a shift in education, we will remain consumers, not creators—watching foreign companies build our future while our youth struggle to find decent work.

Look at China: it became the world’s factory because it invested in vocational training and skilled labor. India, South Korea, and now Turkey have followed the same path, building strong economies by equipping their people with technical expertise. Meanwhile, Africa still struggles with an education system that does not match the demands of a modern economy.

It is time for a mindset shift. We must revolutionize our education system by focusing on science, technology, engineering, and skilled trades—the foundation of a strong economy. Our schools should inspire young people to see dignity and success in professions like agriculture, carpentry, masonry, electrical work, mechanics, and engineering.

Africa cannot develop without Africans leading the way. Let me rephrase that Africa will be developed without us where we will be foreigners in our own land. We must equip our young people with the skills to build, innovate, and create wealth. If we do not act now, we will continue to watch others capitalize on our resources and opportunities.

It is time for an education revolution. It is time to build our future—with our own hands.