Paris, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has praised the African Union’s commitment to making 2024 the “Year of Education” in Africa. Announced during the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, this initiative aims to bolster quality education across the continent, recognizing it as a cornerstone for sustainable development.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the declaration underscores the urgent need for all African governments to intensify efforts towards achieving universal access to quality education. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, emphasized the organization’s readiness to support African states in reaching universal primary and secondary education goals, as well as expanding access to quality higher education and research opportunities.
The push for educational advancements in Africa comes against a backdrop of significant progress in recent decades. UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report 2023 highlights that the out-of-school population at the primary and secondary levels in Sub-Saharan Africa has decreased from 44% in 2000 to 29% in 2020. Additionally, youth and adult literacy rates in the region have seen notable increases.
A recent UNESCO scorecard reveals African countries’ commitment to further reducing primary out-of-school rates and improving teacher training to address the continent’s significant teacher shortage. However, despite these advancements and commitments, challenges remain, including the world’s largest out-of-school population residing in Africa and a significant portion of schoolchildren unable to achieve basic literacy by age 10.
To address these issues, the “Year of Education” will focus on bridging the funding gap and recruiting millions of qualified teachers needed to meet education targets. UNESCO estimates that an additional $77 billion annually is required for African countries to provide quality education for all, highlighting a concerning decline in development aid to education in the region.
In support of this pivotal year, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador A’Salfo and his band Magic System have launched a new version of their hit song ‘Magic in the Air,’ titled ‘Education in the Air,’ to promote education and inspire collective action. The campaign encourages participation through dance, with the best clips to be featured in a music video celebrating Africa Day in May.
This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between UNESCO, the African Union, and partners like Magic System to champion education as a transformative force for the continent’s future.