The AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, (ESTI), H.E. Prof. Mohammed Belhocine has addressed journalists at the 6th AU Coordinating Meeting ongoing in Accra, presenting the progress made on the African Union’s (AU) 2024 theme focused on education.
At the February 2024 Summit, the AU Heads of State approved a Guidance Note and Roadmap for the Year of Education, instructing the Commission to report on progress at the biannual Summit and submit a final report in February 2025.
Since then, the Education Department has undertaken several initiatives aligned with AU Agenda 2063, targeting reforms in teaching, STEM education, African history, higher education, TVET, digital transformation, learning environments, equitable access, education data, partnerships, and sustainable financing.
Key Activities and Achievements:
1. Pre-Launch Ceremony: A pre-launch ceremony was held alongside the Summit, led by HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, AU Commission Chairman. High-level discussions emphasized education’s role in achieving Agenda 2063.
Ethiopia’s President, H.E. Mrs. Sahle-Work Zewde, called for a radical shift in African development, with education as the linchpin.
2. Teacher Development:
The AU contributed to the Fourteenth Policy Dialogue Forum in Johannesburg, addressing the global teacher shortage. UNESCO estimates sub-Saharan Africa needs over 15 million teachers by 2030.
The AU has developed mechanisms to support teacher development.
3. Teaching African History:
A symposium on “Teaching African History: Paths to African Renaissance and Integration” highlighted the importance of accurately representing Africa’s pre-colonial history.
The General History of Africa, published by UNESCO, is being used to develop educational materials.
4. TVET and Higher Education:
The AU participated in the “Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (RIAE)” meeting and launched the “Better Education for Africa’s Advancement” (BEAR III) project with South Korea, aimed at improving young people’s skills and employability in Africa.
5. Ninth African School Feeding Day (ADSF-9):
Held in Bujumbura and co-organized with the World Food Programme, ADSF-9 emphasized the impact of school feeding on nutrition, education, food security, and the local economy.
A field visit showcased a successful local school feeding program.
6. Education for Peace: A seminar focused on the role of education in building peace in the Sahel region.
The seminar stressed the importance of cooperation among governments, NGOs, educational institutions, and communities.
7. Strengthening Partnerships: The AU engaged in the G7 Working Group on Education and held a roundtable with Canada on TVET and youth employment pathways.
Discussions emphasized the need for inclusive TVET, particularly for girls, people with disabilities, rural youth, and refugees.
Canada announced significant grants to support TVET programs.
8. Improving Girls’ Education:
The International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (CIEFFA) held an event in Addis Ababa, gathering over 400 participants.
The event focused on advocating for girls’ education and making evidence-based recommendations for gender-sensitive education policies.
9. Strengthening Data Production:
In collaboration with UNICEF, the AU’s ESTI Department prepared a report on “Expenditure on Education in Africa: Impacts of COVID-19 and Possible Ways Forward,” launched on the Day of the African Child.
The report provides a detailed analysis of education spending and offers recommendations to ensure quality education for all African children.
Conclusion:
AU Commissioner for ESTI concluded by affirming the Department’s commitment to the 2024 theme.
He said, through strategic collaboration, advocacy, and engagement, the AU aims to build resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, continuous, quality, and relevant learning across Africa.
