The capital of Mauritania has become the epicenter of a critical debate on Africa’s future. From December 9 to 11, 2024, this coastal city is hosting a Continental Conference on Education, an event spearheaded by the Mauritanian president, who also holds the presidency of the African Union (AU).
Organized in partnership with the AU Commission and UNICEF, the conference brings together a host of influential figures, including heads of state, ministers, experts, civil society actors, and private sector representatives. Among the prominent participants are Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, both celebrated for their bold educational initiatives. The event is themed: "Educating and Empowering Africa for the 21st Century."
Despite significant progress, the continent faces monumental educational challenges. Africa currently accounts for 90% of global external funding needs for education and stands at a crossroads. Projections indicate that an additional $40 billion investment will be required to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly SDG 4 focused on quality education, and to fulfill the aspirations of the AU’s Agenda 2063.
However, numerous obstacles persist: inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, glaring geographic disparities, limited integration of digital technologies, and a persistent mismatch between education systems and labor market needs. These structural challenges are compounded by the rapid changes driven by the digital revolution and global economic transformations, necessitating a rethinking of African education systems to anticipate the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.
The Nouakchott conference aims to assess the progress made by AU member states in implementing international educational commitments, particularly the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA). The primary goal is to strengthen regional collaboration and promote sustainable and innovative financing mechanisms, such as the African Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation Fund (AESTIF).
The event will also highlight successful education models while advocating for inclusive and equitable solutions tailored to African realities. Special attention will be given to African youth, with concrete proposals to enhance their employability and facilitate professional mobility across the continent.
Concrete Announcements and Expectations
Expected outcomes include updates on member states’ progress, a decade-long action plan to accelerate educational transformations, and reinforced financial commitments to develop innovative initiatives. The conference may also lead to the creation of a Pan-African Youth Employment Pact, including mechanisms for intra-African professional mobility.
All eyes are on Nouakchott for announcements that could herald a historic turning point. An educated, skilled, and resilient Africa in the face of 21st-century challenges is becoming a shared ambition.
