Education is one of the most important factors for human development and social progress. It can empower individuals, reduce poverty, improve health, promote gender equality, foster peace and democracy, and protect the environment. In this blog post, we will explore how education in Africa has changed over the years, highlighting some of the achievements and challenges that the continent faces.

Achievements

Africa has made significant progress in expanding access to education in the past decades. According to UNESCO, the number of children enrolled in primary school increased from 60 million in 1999 to 158 million in 2018, while the number of out-of-school children decreased from 58 million to 32 million. The primary completion rate rose from 52% to 69%, and the gender parity index improved from 0.85 to 0.93. Secondary and tertiary education also witnessed remarkable growth, with enrollment rates increasing from 24% to 43% and from 4% to 9%, respectively.

Africa has also invested in improving the quality and relevance of education, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Several initiatives have been launched to promote STEM education, such as the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which offers postgraduate degrees and research opportunities in mathematics and its applications; the Next Einstein Forum (NEF), which connects African scientists and innovators with global partners and platforms; and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to transform Africa into a knowledge-based economy.

Moreover, Africa has embraced digital technologies and innovation to enhance learning outcomes and opportunities. Examples of such innovations include e-learning platforms, such as Ustad Mobile, which provides offline access to educational content for low-resource settings; mobile applications, such as Eneza Education, which offers interactive quizzes and lessons via SMS; and online courses, such as Coursera, which partners with African universities to offer free or low-cost courses to learners across the continent.

Challenges

Despite these achievements, Africa still faces many challenges in ensuring quality education for all. One of the main challenges is the lack of adequate financing for education. According to UNESCO, Africa accounts for 14% of the world’s population but only 2% of global public expenditure on education. The average spending per student in Africa is $211 per year, compared to $1,462 in Latin America and $3,441 in Europe and North America. As a result, many schools lack basic infrastructure, equipment, materials and teachers.

Another challenge is the mismatch between the skills acquired by graduates and the needs of the labor market. According to the African Development Bank, about 12 million young people enter the workforce every year in Africa, but only 3 million find formal jobs. Many graduates lack relevant skills or qualifications for the available jobs or face discrimination based on gender, ethnicity or location. To address this challenge, Africa needs to strengthen its linkages between education and employment, foster entrepreneurship and innovation, and diversify its economic sectors.

A third challenge is the impact of conflicts, disasters and pandemics on education. According to UNICEF, more than one-third of out-of-school children in Africa live in conflict-affected areas, where they face violence, displacement and trauma. In addition, natural disasters such as droughts, floods and cyclones disrupt schooling and affect learning outcomes. Furthermore, pandemics such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 pose serious threats to the health and well-being of learners and teachers, as well as the continuity and quality of education.

Conclusion

Education is a key driver for sustainable development in Africa. The continent has made remarkable progress in expanding access to education and improving its quality and relevance. However, it still faces many challenges that require concerted efforts from all stakeholders: governments, donors, civil society, private sector, academia and media. Together, we can ensure that every child in Africa has the right to learn and thrive.