May 21, 2024 – Africa’s ambitious goal of a prosperous continent driven by inclusive growth and sustainable development hinges significantly on substantial investments in education. Aspiration 1 of Agenda 2063 emphasizes the need for an education and skills revolution, focusing on innovation, science, and technology to develop human and social capital.
Despite notable progress in increasing access to basic education for African children, a substantial number still remain out of school, highlighting a critical area of concern. Barriers to education for low-income households persist, exacerbating the issue.
In 2022, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed this global education crisis during the Summit on Transforming Education. Amid various global challenges, the summit underscored the urgent need to enhance progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) on education. Guterres called for a “one-in-a-generation” opportunity to tackle this crisis through renewed collective commitment and joint action.
The African Union (AU), through its Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA), is striving to expand access to quality education that aligns with the continent’s rapidly growing population. CESA aims to reorient Africa’s education and training systems to meet the demands for knowledge, competencies, skills, innovation, and creativity essential for sustainable development at national, sub-regional, and continental levels.
The strategy places a strong emphasis on revitalizing the teaching profession to ensure quality and relevance at all levels. It also focuses on expanding access to quality education by building, rehabilitating, and preserving educational infrastructure, alongside developing policies that foster a permanent, healthy, and conducive learning environment. Integrating ICT is another critical component, aimed at improving access, quality, and the management of education and training systems.
A significant aspect of CESA is ensuring the acquisition of requisite knowledge and skills, coupled with improved completion rates across all levels. This involves harmonizing educational processes for national and regional integration. The strategy also seeks to accelerate gender parity and equity in education, recognizing the essential role of women in the continent’s development.
Additionally, CESA promotes comprehensive literacy campaigns to eradicate illiteracy across the continent. It seeks to strengthen science and math curricula while disseminating scientific knowledge and fostering a culture of science within African society. Expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities at both secondary and tertiary levels is crucial, as is strengthening the link between education and the world of work.
Revitalizing and expanding tertiary education, research, and innovation is another key objective, aimed at addressing continental challenges and promoting global competitiveness. The strategy also includes promoting peace education and conflict prevention and resolution at all educational levels and for all age groups. Enhancing capacity for data collection, management, analysis, and communication to improve the management of education systems is a vital component, along with setting up a coalition of education stakeholders to support initiatives arising from the implementation of CESA.
Reflecting on Africa’s post-independence era, incoming leaders prioritized education on their development agendas, leading to the construction of schools and the deployment of teachers even in remote areas. The drive to achieve universal primary education was seen as a pathway to lifting Africa out of poverty. According to UNESCO, which coordinates international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication, Africa’s primary school enrolment rate now averages above 80%, with the continent recording significant increases in elementary school enrolment globally over the past few decades. More children in Africa are attending school than ever before.
As Africa continues to strive towards the goals set out in Agenda 2063, the focus on enhancing education through strategic initiatives like CESA remains critical. The collective efforts to overcome barriers and promote inclusive, quality education will be pivotal in driving the continent towards a future of sustainable development and prosperity.