Hon. Ousman Sillah has been reappointed as Secretary General of SASASNET for an additional three-year term. This significant reappointment shows his continued leadership and dedication to the organization's mission. The decision took place during the inaugural Executive Committee Meeting, which convened on Tuesday, 7 July, 2026. This key meeting not only confirmed Hon. Sillah's extended tenure but also marked the first official gathering with the newly elected Continental Chairperson, Mr. Shadrack M. Mwadime, CBS. Mr. Mwadime, a distinguished figure in public service, holds the position of Principal Secretary for the State Department for Labour and Skills Development of the Republic of Kenya, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role within SASASNET. His presence at this inaugural meeting signaled a new chapter for the organization, emphasizing its commitment to strong leadership and strategic direction.
Recognition and Sillah's Tenure
The reappointment of Hon. Ousman Sillah as Secretary General was made in recognition of his significant contributions to the establishment and growth of SASASNET. A communique issued by the Office of the Secretary General of SASASNET stated that the decision acknowledged his "outstanding role as the Founding Secretary General in helping build the organisation from infancy and achieving significant results within a short span." This commendation notes the critical impact of his foundational work since the network's inception.
Prior to the network's formal registration and launch, Hon. Sillah served as its Coordinator for five months, playing a key role in laying the groundwork for its future operations. He was initially appointed as Secretary General of SASASNET in July 2023. This first appointment occurred during the inaugural Executive Committee meeting of the newly established continental organization, marking a formal step in its operational structure. That foundational meeting was held in Abuja, Nigeria, coinciding with the network's official launch, a momentous occasion that brought together key stakeholders from across the African continent. His journey from Coordinator to the first Secretary General, and now his reappointment, reflects a consistent and impactful dedication to the network's objectives and its mission to strengthen apprenticeship systems.
Network's Genesis and Evolution
The idea for the Network was first proposed in February 2023 in Cotonou, where government representatives and national stakeholders from across the continent gathered for a regional workshop. The workshop, a collaborative effort organized by the Government of Benin in conjunction with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank, focused specifically on strengthening apprenticeship systems in the informal economy in Africa. This focus showed the urgent need to address skills development and vocational training challenges within a critical sector of the continent's economy. Hon. Ousman Sillah joined the Government delegation for this significant event, having been selected by the Hon. Minister of Higher Education of The Gambia, a testament to his recognized expertise in the field.
During the workshop, participants entrusted Hon. Sillah and Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje with the key task of coordinating efforts aimed at establishing a continent-wide network of stakeholders. This mandate was a direct response to the identified need for a unified approach to skills development across Africa. Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, who served as the first Continental Chairperson, is also the current Executive of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) of Nigeria, bringing a wealth of experience in technical and vocational education to the nascent organization. This initial collaboration between Hon. Sillah and Prof. Bugaje laid the essential groundwork for the future establishment and formalization of SASASNET, bringing together key figures and institutions to address vocational training and skills development challenges across the African continent. Their combined efforts were instrumental in translating the workshop's recommendations into a concrete organizational structure, setting the stage for SASASNET's future impact.
Executive Committee Deliberations
The Executive Committee convened to review the organisation’s current programmes, its financial position, membership engagement strategies, and other key operational matters. The full review aimed to assess the network's progress, identify areas for improvement, and chart a course for future growth and impact. Following these thorough deliberations, the Committee adopted several resolutions, including a firm commitment to implement the SASSNET Four-Year Strategic Plan for the period 2024–2028. This strategic plan is designed to guide the network's activities and ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
Further resolutions and action points were adopted to strengthen the network's governance structures and establish country chapters across Member States, thereby expanding its reach and local impact. The Committee also resolved to accelerate the implementation of the Abuja I and II Action Plans and the Mombasa Declaration, alongside fostering stronger partnerships with various entities. These action plans and declarations represent critical milestones and commitments made by the network to advance its mission. To facilitate these initiatives and ensure their effective execution, subcommittees were formed, focusing on critical areas such as Research, Resource Mobilisation, and Programme Implementation. These subcommittees are tasked with driving progress in their respective domains, providing specialized expertise and dedicated effort. Additional subcommittees were established to address the specific needs of a Youth Chapter and a dedicated group for Women and Persons with Disabilities, showing SASASNET's commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that all segments of society benefit from its initiatives.
SASASNET expressed its unwavering commitment to collaborating with Member Country governments, various institutions, and international partners. These key partnerships are vital for leveraging resources, sharing expertise, and amplifying the network's impact. Key international partners include the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNESCO, UNIDO, and the Mastercard Foundation, among other development partners. This broad spectrum of collaborations notes SASASNET's strategic approach to achieving its goals, recognizing that collective action is essential for strengthening apprenticeship systems and fostering skills development across Africa. The network aims to work closely with these partners to implement its strategic plan and accelerate the realization of its vision for a skilled and empowered African workforce.
