Organizations included in the delegation
• 3DBear
• ADE
• EduCluster Finland
• Educraftor
• Eduten
• Finnish Global Education Solutions
• Funidata
• Häme University of applied sciences (HAMK)
• Karelia University of Applied Sciences
• Novia
• OSAO edu
• University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+
The delegation is looking forward to a lively dialogue with local experts as well as finding partnerships with African actors, from governmental bodies to private organizations.
We are happy to invite you to join the following sessions:
Thursday 8th May
12-1pm Learning for Life: A Finnish Model for Life-Long and Life-Wide Education
Explore Finland’s unique and innovative approach to lifelong and life-wide learning. In this session you will discover how Finland´s education model supports personal and professional growth at every stage of life, ensuring adaptability in a changing world. Learn about key strategies and practices that make learning continuous, inclusive, and future-ready at all stages of life.
Speakers:
Ms. Outi Hakanen, Ambassador for Education, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Mr. Jussi-Pekka Järvinen, Eduten, Head of National Projects
Ms. Sanna Nummela, Service Director, EduCluster Finland
Mr. Markus Seppänen, OSAO Edu Ltd, Education Manager
Mr. Risto Vahanen, Chairman of board, Finnish Global Education Solutions Oy
Ms. Kaija Saramäki, Senior lecturer/Coordinator, Karelia University of Applied Sciences
Mr. Jarkko Elo, Chief Commercial Officer, Funidata Ltd.
Room: Katavi
2:30 – 3.45 pm Skills, Employability & Reforms to Make TVET More Effective and Inclusive
What skills and systemic changes are needed to make vocational training more effective and inclusive? This session focuses on the foundational and structural aspects of vocational education, examining how dual training models, gender-inclusive policies, and entrepreneurship education can improve employability. Speakers will discuss best practices from Germany’s dual system, strategies to overcome gender barriers in TVET, and the role of entrepreneurship in preparing students for the evolving job market.
Speakers:
- Peter Pfaffe, iMOVE at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, Germany / Public-Private Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Africa: Insights from Germany's Dual TVET Model
- Sanna Maria Nummela, EduCluster Finland, Finland / The Significance of Entrepreneurship Studies in Vocational Education
- Shoroke Zedan, Ta’heal for VET Skills Excellence, Egypt / Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships in TVET for Workforce Readiness
Room: Katavi
Friday 9th May
10 – 111 am Architects of the Future of Learning: UNICEF’s Learning Pioneers Programme (EN)
Room: Saadani
By highlighting the power of collaboration, this session led by UNICEF will emphasise the critical role of partnerships between governments, EdTech innovators, academia, and international organisations showing real-world examples that are driving innovation and creating lasting impact, making quality education more accessible to all children. The session will also be an opportunity to learn from other UNICEF’s global initiatives on digital education.
Speakers:
- Dr Frank van Cappelle, UNICEF Learning Innovation Hub, Finland
- Marjo Mäenpää, The Finnish National Agency for Education, Finland
09:45 – 10:45 How Can Digital Tools Transform Vocational Training and Improve Employability? (EN)
Room: Udzungwa
This session explores cutting-edge innovations in TVET, from immersive AR/VR simulations to ICT-driven learning solutions. Experts will share insights from projects in Africa and beyond, demonstrating how digital transformation enhances skill acquisition, expands access to quality training, and strengthens industry partnerships.
Chairperson:
Esko Lius, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Finland
Speakers:
- Anatoli Rugaimukamu, Save the Children, Tanzania
- Ulla-Maija Knuutti, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Finland
11:45 – 13:00 Equity & Access in Teachers' Professional Development (EN)
Room: Katavi
Moderation:
Birgit Nevala, Finnpartnership, Finland
We also encourage you to explore Finnish digital education through a specific website dedicated to this theme:
Exploring Finnish Digital Education
