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Since the 2000s, the mission to make education accessible to all has triggered a historic wave of school enrolment in Africa. Countries and their partners have mobilized, enabling millions of children to access education. However, one question persists: are these students acquiring the required level by the end of their basic education? The statistics speak for themselves: at the end of primary school, 70 per cent of 10-year-olds can barely read a simple text, and some can’t even write their own names.

With over 10 million young people entering the labour market every year and informal employment close to 90 per cent, Africa and the development of its youth’s skills are now at the heart of the international community’s priorities.

Across the continent, from the outskirts of cities to rural areas, universal access to equitable education remains a major challenge – yet it is a prerequisite for achieving inclusive education.

In 2021, more than a quarter of the African population will be of school age. We need to invest now in the education of those who will have the future of the continent in their hands tomorrow.

Millions of children around the world complete primary education each year without having acquired a basic foundation of skills. How can we help children learn?

To ensure quality education for all in the poorest countries, $40 billion is needed each year. Where can additional funding for education be found?

Education systems are rarely adequately prepared to deal with emergencies. How do we deal with crises? How can we improve the capacity of systems to better cope with their impact?

African countries are facing massive population growth. The number of young people on the continent is expected to double by 2045, putting unprecedented pressure on the labour market.