A coalition of African leaders and civil society is advocating for a 'Decade of Education' to address the pressing learning crisis facing the continent. This initiative was prominently discussed during a meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York, which took place on September 25, 2024. The event underscored the urgent need for foundational learning in Africa, where an alarming nine out of ten children currently lack basic reading and math skills by the age of ten.
The meeting, led by African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki, emphasized the necessity for a sustained focus on education. Faki stated, "We must acknowledge that the formulation of annual themes is not enough; the journey is long and we need longer-term, innovative, and bold responses." This sentiment was echoed by H.E. Prof Mohammed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation at the African Union, who highlighted that foundational learning is essential for Africa's long-term development.
With projections indicating that by 2050, one-third of young people aged 15 to 24 will be born in Africa, the urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. H.E. President Hakainde Hichelima of Zambia pointed out that current educational deficiencies pose significant barriers to future success, stating, "These skills are the building blocks for every child's academic and other forms of success. Collectively, we must set clear milestones beyond the 2024 year of education and ensure that no child in Africa is left behind."
Former leaders like H.E. Dr Joyce Banda of Malawi and H.E. Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania also underscored the need for accountability and robust investment in education to transform the continent's future. Kikwete noted, "A 1% improvement in learning outcomes can translate into a 7.2% improvement in economic growth," emphasizing that focused investments are crucial to unlocking Africa's potential.
The event is expected to catalyze further discussions and actions among African nations, with a clear agenda to prioritize educational reforms and investments. Key moments to watch for include announcements of new initiatives aimed at enhancing learning outcomes and commitments from various governments to address the learning crisis.
In conclusion, the call for a Decade of Education represents a pivotal moment for Africa. By prioritizing foundational learning, the continent can unlock the potential of millions of children, driving economic growth and societal progress. The global community should closely monitor this initiative, as its success could have far-reaching implications for the future of education and development in Africa.