Vocational interest measures across Africa: A scoping review

A scoping review of available peer-reviewed academic literature on career interest measures for the African adolescent population was conducted. The aim was to determine the state of current knowledge and possible future research. The African adolescent population face many challenges in fulfilling their career aspirations. Thus, measuring learners’ career interests during high school is imperative to promote a positive start to their career trajectory. A final sample of 10 articles (2012 – 2022) from four databases was analysed. The results indicate that research is severely lacking and conducted mainly by one author utilising the Career Interest Profile (CIP), Maree Career Matrix (MCM) and Career Adapt-Abilities Scale—South African Form (CAAS). Integrative approaches to career interest measures, mixing methodologies and referencing the unique African context in measurement were common characteristics of studies. It is concluded that more research should be conducted on African adolescents to develop context-sensitive career interest measures.