Case Study

Repositioning the perception of technical and vocational education (TVET)

The challenge: a second-choice track

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in many African countries faces significant perception challenges, seen as “a second-choice track” for academically struggling students. Contributing factors include curricula misaligned with labour-market needs, insufficient links between training providers and industry, limited organisational capacity to deliver competency-based programmes, and weak policy frameworks for quality control and qualification recognition.

The strategic decision: training a workforce that delivers

MORIM was mandated to reposition TVET as a driver of economic competitiveness and employment, through two objectives: shifting the perceptions of families, young people and employers, and developing policies aligned with international standards and national priorities.

The solution: a three-phase approach

Phase 1: Diagnosis and strategic options

MORIM examined governance, curriculum design, industry relations, financing and perception. The strategic recommendations rested on three pillars: governance and institutional strengthening; competency-based pedagogy and curriculum reform; perception and attractiveness initiatives.

Phase 2: Policy co-design and stakeholder engagement

Collaborative development of a national TVET policy framework (2026-2035), quality-assurance mechanisms, public-private partnership models and a communications strategy to reposition the sector's image.

Phase 3: Piloting and learning

Real-world testing centred on capability building, curriculum redesign, competency-based assessment and industry engagement.

Strategic impact

Increased enrolment in pilot programmes, with improved gender balance
Higher employer satisfaction with graduates' skills
Strong political engagement with budget allocations
Positive shift in media and public-debate perception

Key success factors

Political leadership and ownership
Inclusive multi-stakeholder collaboration
Evidence-based policy
A “pilot-first” testing methodology
Strategic focus on perception as much as on technical reform

Your turn

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MORIM supports governments, TVET providers, employers and development organisations in modernising technical training through strategic reform, curriculum innovation and industry partnerships.