This open access book provides theoretical, empirical and practical solutions to develop competencies needed for digital transformation and changes in work and life in African contexts. It promotes ecosystems in which educational institutions, companies and policymakers aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. This book is based on the Finnish African Co-Innovation project DAIA (Digital Academies in Africa (2022–2025), where Finnish and African researchers and companies have worked together.

The book first analyses the scenarios presented in African future-related documents, before introducing solutions and new implementations to address the needs and demands identified. It presents a compilation of chapters that combine expertise from theoretical and empirical research in education, with case studies from specific industrial sectors in South Africa to map future learning ecosystems in Africa.

This open access book explores methods, approaches, techniques, values and ethical issues that create space for innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet contemporary needs at the regional, local, and global levels. By bringing together teaching, research and work experience from academia and the industry/private sectors, it provides a valuable resource for education providers, researchers, practitioners, teachers, school leaders, policymakers, industrial partners, and company leaders and trainers. This book also serves as a potential textbook in higher education and TVET.

Dr. Hannele Niemi is an Emerita Professor of Educational Sciences and Research Director at the University of Helsinki, Finland, and was also nominated as UNESCO Chair (Professor) of Educational Ecosystems for Equity and Quality of Learning 2018–2026. Professor Niemi has held significant leadership roles, serving as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs (2003–2009) and Dean of the Faculty of Education (2001–2003) at the University of Helsinki. She chaired the University Board at the University of Lapland (2018–2023) and has also been a visiting professor at Michigan State University and a visiting scholar at Stanford University. She has led several large national and international research projects, including the DAIA, Digital Academies in Africa (2022–2025) and AI in Learning (2018–2022). Professor Niemi has over 420 peer-reviewed articles or chapters in scientific publications.

Daryl McLean has led national policy processes in South African education, industrial strategy, language and in other areas. He has taught at universities and conducted adult education, industry training and government training over four decades. Daryl also played a leading role in the establishment of the South African Qualifications Authority, the Sector Education and Training Authorities, the National School of Government and multiple other initiatives.

Marianna Vivitsou is a post-doctoral researcher at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland. She has extensive experience in international educational research and education development projects. Her current research focuses on the ethical dimensions and dilemmas underlying Higher Education-Industry partnerships, socio-cultural sustainability and heritage-related sustainable livelihoods. Other research interests include education in emergencies and poly-crises. 

 Dr. Jari Lavonen is an Emeritus professor of Physics and Chemistry Education at the University of Helsinki, Finland. He has been working as a director of the National Teacher Education Forum and Chair of the Finnish Matriculation Examination Board. He is a member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Johannesburg and a visiting professor at the University of Tartu. He has been researching science and teacher education for the last 34 years. His publications include 161 refereed scientific papers in journals and books and 185 books for science teachers and science education