Addis Ababa, UNESCO has expressed strong support for the African Union’s decision to designate 2024 as the “Year of Education,” marking a significant commitment to advancing quality education across the continent. This initiative, announced during the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, aims to catalyze progress towards universal access to quality education for all African children and youth.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the African Union’s declaration underscores the importance of education as a fundamental driver of sustainable development and highlights the need to address the educational requirements of the continent’s young generations. UNESCO, as the leading UN organization for education, has pledged its support to assist African states in achieving universal primary and secondary education and enhancing access to quality higher education and research opportunities.
Despite significant strides made in expanding educational access in Africa—from reducing the out-of-school population at the primary and secondary levels from 44% in 2000 to 29% in 2020, to improving youth and adult literacy rates—the continent still faces substantial challenges. With the largest out-of-school population globally and a critical shortage of qualified teachers, nearly 90% of children in school cannot comprehend a simple text by age 10.
The African Union’s focus for 2024 will also address two major challenges: bridging the funding gap and addressing the teacher shortage. UNESCO estimates that an additional $77 billion annually is needed for African countries to meet their national education targets. Additionally, to achieve universal primary and secondary education by 2030, 15 million new teachers must be recruited.
In a creative effort to promote this pivotal year of education, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador A’Salfo and his Ivorian band, Magic System, have launched a new version of their hit song ‘Magic in the Air,’ now rebranded as ‘Education in the Air.’ This anthem aims to highlight education’s transformative power and encourage global participation in the “Education in the Air” campaign. Fans are invited to share dance clips to the song, contributing to a music video set to be released on Africa Day in May.
This initiative not only underscores the commitment of African nations to improving education but also illustrates the power of partnerships and cultural engagement in raising awareness and mobilizing support for educational advancement across the continent.