A number of stakeholders, including the Euro Chamber of Commerce, African and European think tanks and civil society, stressed that considerable attention must be given to providing access to education and training, particularly for young people in Africa. This view is shared by the EU: advancing knowledge and skills is a central thematic focus in the joint communication. According to stakeholders this should particularly entail:

• investing in effective, inclusive and open education systems;
• providing skills-based education, including support for young people in agriculture and value chains, by organising exchange programmes for young Africans;