This report presents the findings of analytical research undertaken in Malawi by applying the Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification (STED) methodology to two sectors of the Malawian economy, namely oilseeds and horticulture.
The STED methodology has been developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in recognition of the fact that having workers with the right skills is crucial if firms and industries are to succeed in trade, and that workers can access better quality jobs if they have the skills required for the success of industry. The right kind of skills also enhance the
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This report presents the findings of analytical research undertaken in Malawi by applying the Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification (STED) methodology to two sectors of the Malawian economy, namely oilseeds and horticulture.
The STED methodology has been developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in recognition of the fact that having workers with the right skills is crucial if firms and industries are to succeed in trade, and that workers can access better quality jobs if they have the skills required for the success of industry. The right kind of skills also enhance the employability of workers, and are a key determinant of their success in finding meaningful and well-paid employment. The STED methodology takes a forward-looking perspective, asking not just what skills are in demand today, but what skills will be in demand in the future, in order to match skills demand with skills supply in the labour market.
In the Malawian context, the STED methodology was applied as a response to the recommendations of the Malawi National Export Strategy (GoM, 2012), which highlight a low skills base as one of the main factors constraining Malawi's move into higher value-added production in sectors with potential for exporting, economic development and employment growth. The NES identifies three priority export sectors in which Malawi has a comparative advantage (oilseeds, sugar-cane products and agro-manufacturing), but identifies 'access to skills' as the greatest challenge to businesses realizing this growth potential. The findings and recommendations of the Malawi STED research have paved the way for the provision of better informed technical assistance in demand-led skills development in Malawi.
Edited excerpts from publication and publisher's website.
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