Pan-African Parliament Convenes Workshop to Address 21st Century Education in Africa

The Pan-African Parliament, in collaboration with African Union Agencies, partner organizations, and academic institutions, held a pivotal workshop today focused on the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.” The event brought together a diverse array of experts and stakeholders to address the urgent need for educational reform across the continent.

Presentations and briefings were delivered by representatives from the African Union Commission for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI); the University of Zululand; the University of Cape Town; the University of Zambia; the Global Campaign for Education; the IDP Foundation for Education; the African Curriculum Association Online; the Center for Basic Research and Education Online; the Data for Governance Alliance Research and Policy Programme; Ushindi Empowerment; SAIIA; and the African Union Youth Envoy. Experts on the Right to Education and Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) also presented technical findings and recommendations to the stakeholders present.

Key Issues and Recommendations

During the workshop, several critical issues were highlighted, leading to the formulation of comprehensive recommendations aimed at transforming Africa's education system. One of the primary concerns was the inadequate implementation and awareness of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2025, the AU Agenda 2063 education-related targets, and Sustainable Development Goal No. 4. Participants urged member parliaments and speakers to hold forums to discuss these strategies and to participate in the evaluation of the current strategy in developing a successive plan post-2025.

A significant concern was the inadequate national budgets allocated to education, science, technology, and innovation. The privatization of education emerged as both an opportunity and a problem. While private education can offer high-quality learning environments and innovative teaching methods, Parliamentarians noted with concern the increasing class stratification and marginalization it is causing within communities. Private schools often cater to those who can afford hefty fees and are located in urban areas, thereby excluding a large portion of the population and entrenching socioeconomic disparities.

On the other hand, governments were criticized for neglecting public education, which has continued to deteriorate. This neglect has further marginalized the poor, who cannot afford private alternatives or effectively voice their grievances. Public schools suffer from underfunding, leading to dilapidated infrastructure, insufficient learning resources, and poorly trained teachers. To address these issues, participants advocated for the allocation of at least 1% of GDP to finance education, science, technology, and innovation sectors. They emphasized the necessity of adequate funding to support comprehensive teacher development programs, improve educational infrastructure, and acquire essential learning resources. Additionally, the establishment of the African Education, Science, and Technology Innovation Fund was proposed as a blended financing mechanism to support these crucial initiatives.

Parliamentarians were urged to lobby their national parliaments to restore the teaching profession as a dignified career with adequate salaries, benefits, and resources. This includes advocating for competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain talented individuals, thereby addressing the issue of brain drain where skilled educators leave for better opportunities abroad. Ensuring teachers have access to necessary resources, such as modern teaching materials and professional development, is also essential for improving education quality. Elevating the status and support for teachers is crucial for nurturing and guiding Africa's future generations effectively.

This requires the development of continental policy frameworks on teacher development, learning assessment, and higher education in partnership with the ECTI, Department of the AU, Commission, and other stakeholders. Strong intra-Africa cooperation and networking between parliamentarians, policymakers, scientists, journalists, and the private sector were deemed essential for advancing the continental agenda on education and skills development.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was agreed to be a much needed solution to unemployment and leveraging the youth bulge to drive economic development. To achieve this, participants agreed that both formal and informal TVET institutions require substantial support to expand their reach and enhance their quality. It was found imperative to challenge and change the negative perception of TVET, encouraging young people to pursue careers in craftsmanship and practical trades. These skills are essential for the continent's development and offer viable pathways to stable employment.

Moreover, it was deemed crucial to address the gendering of certain educational courses within TVET, as this perpetuates inequality and discrimination in various professions. By promoting gender-neutral education and encouraging both men and women to enter all fields of study, TVET can foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce needed for Africa’s infrastructural development. This approach not only ensures equal opportunities but also maximizes the potential of all young people, contributing to a more balanced and robust economic development across Africa.

The necessity for legislative action to support a dynamic and sustainable research enterprise capable of translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions for socio-economic development was discussed. Participants called for the decolonization of the education system, noting that most education curriculums are Eurocentric and do not instill African history, culture and values which are fundamental to raising a patriotic African citizenry.

Furthermore, participants identified the need for an overhaul of the entire education system, with special attention to marginalized groups including girls, children in rural areas, those living with disabilities, and those in fragile contexts. Regularly requesting and considering reports or updates from the AUC, AUDA, NEPAD, regional economic communities, and other partners on the implementation of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2025 and the education-related targets of the AU Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 was also recommended.

Detailed Recommendations

To the African Union Commission, Department of Education, Science, and Technology and Innovation:

1. Partner with the Pan-African Parliament, especially the Committee on Education, Tourism, Culture, and Human Resources, the Member States, and other stakeholders to create awareness and advocate for sustained implementation of the Continental Education Strategy 2016-2025 and the education-related targets for the AU Agenda 2063 as well as Sustainable Development Goal No. 4.
2. Launch and operationalize the African Education, Science, and Technology Innovation Fund as a blended financing mechanism for education in Africa.
3. In collaboration with the Member States, develop continental policy frameworks on teacher development, learning assessment, and higher education.
4. Organize forums for peer-to-peer learning on teacher development, including the implementation of the Continental Teacher Award.
5. Develop toolkits for improved STEM education and teaching standards and collaborate with the Member States to ensure their implementation at all levels.

To the African Union Member States:

1. Own the vision of and take measures to implement the Continental Education Strategy of the said years and the education-related targets of the AU Agenda 2063 as well as Sustainable Development Goal No. 4.
2. Place equity at the heart of education policy to ensure that all children and youth on the continent have access to quality education.
3. Allocate adequate budgets, comprising not less than 1% of the GDP towards teacher recruitment, training, development of schools, infrastructure, and acquisition of learning resources.
4. Enact policy and legislative frameworks to facilitate competency-based education and training.

To the national and regional parliaments of the AU Member States:

1. Advocate for education as a tool for attaining all components of development.
2. Allocate adequate national budgets comprising no less than 1% of the GDP to financing education, science, technology, and innovation.
3. Identify coordination mechanisms with the ACT Department for regular exchange on ACT programs and advocacy activities.
4. Share experiences with other continents and countries on how parliaments could play a key role in promoting education.
5. Assume greater responsibility towards sustainable funding and investment in education in the continent.
6. Support policies for strong intra-Africa cooperation and networking between parliamentarians, policymakers, scientists, journalists, and the private sector.
7. Support legislative action for a dynamic and sustainable research enterprise capable of translating scientific discoveries into products, services, and processes required for socio-economic development.

To the regional economic communities:

1. Promote alignment of regional education frameworks with CESA.
2. Encourage regional thematic networking to share experiences and complementarities.
3. Provide support for member states to monitor and report on the implementation of CESA.
4. Sensitize member states and stakeholders on CESA objectives and facilitate implementation.

To development partners:

1. Align support programs with CESA at the continental, regional, and national levels.
2. Participate in multisectoral committees for CESA and its various theme clusters.
3. Support capacity building and mutual learning among member states.
4. Support advocacy and communications around agreed priorities.
5. Commit more funding, coordinate across agencies, and explore innovative financing mechanisms towards education, science, technology, and innovation initiatives in Africa.