Continental Education Conference aims to transform education in Africa
Addis Ababa, December 11, 2024 (FMC) – The Continental Education Conference, organized by the African Union in partnership with UNICEF and hosted by the Republic of Mauritania, seeks to promote and scale up innovative solutions for achieving quality and equitable education in Africa, meeting the demands of the 21st century. The conference will explore sustainable financing mechanisms for education and propose that the African Union declare the period from 2025 to 2034 as the “Decade of Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills Development in Africa.”
Mrs. Houda Babbah, Minister of Education and Reform of Mauritania, welcomed attendees, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to educational transformation as a cornerstone for wealth and sustainable development throughout the continent. She highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in achieving these goals.
The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation of the African Union Commission, Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, addressed significant progress in advancing Africa’s education agenda by revising education and skills development strategies under Agenda 2063 to align with both global and continental priorities. He pointed out the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 16-25) as pivotal for improving accessibility, quality, and relevance in education, alongside initiatives that support technical and vocational education to meet modern economic needs.
Prof. Belhocine underscored that governments are increasingly prioritizing education, with communities investing in their children’s learning and youths advocating for necessary skills for a sustainable future. He described the conference as an invaluable opportunity to collectively chart a path forward, addressing themes such as technology’s role in expanding access and quality, strengthening education financing, promoting curriculum reforms, supporting educators, and fostering inclusivity, especially concerning girls, those affected by emergencies, and children with disabilities.
He concluded with an inspiring call to action, underlining the potential of education to redefine Africa’s future and the necessity for unwavering commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities for the continent’s youth.
Ms. Nancy Chaola Mdooka, the Deputy Minister of Education of Malawi and Chair of the Specialized Technical Committee, presented a vision for addressing existing educational gaps through innovative and inclusive models while advocating for improved skills development and partnerships across the continent. Meanwhile, Mr. Gilles Fagninou, Regional Director of UNICEF for West and Central Africa, stressed the urgent need for strategic investments in education to tackle the continent’s challenges and highlighted the risks of underinvestment alongside the promising potential of well-targeted educational reforms.
The conference, taking place over three days at the Palais des Congrès in Nouakchott, will feature high-level political dialogues, technical sessions, and ministerial panels, culminating in the adoption of the Nouakchott Declaration, which aims to lay a concrete path toward transforming education systems in Africa over the next decade.