African Union Commission Prioritizes Education Reform

The African Union Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the continent’s education sector. Commissioner ESTI, HE Pr Mohammed Belhocine, addressed the 45th Session of the Executive Council, highlighting progress made in implementing the Roadmap for the 2024 theme of the Year of Education.

Since February 2024, the Education Department has made significant strides in achieving the Roadmap’s 10 objectives, aligned with AU Agenda 2063. Key accomplishments include:

• Teacher development: Contributing to the Fourteenth Policy Dialogue Forum and emphasizing the need for over 15 million teachers in sub-Saharan Africa.
• African History: Organizing a symposium to promote accurate representation and knowledge of Africa’s rich history.
• TVET and Higher Education: Participating in the RIAE project and launching the BEAR III project with the Republic of Korea.
• School Feeding: Co-organizing the Ninth African School Feeding Day, emphasizing local school feeding programs.
• Education for Peace: Hosting a seminar focusing on the Sahel region, highlighting cooperation and educated individuals as catalysts for peace.
• Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations through the G7 Working Group on Education and a roundtable consultation with Canada.
• Girls’ Education: Organizing an event to advocate for gender-sensitive education policies.
• Data Production: Launching a report on education expenditure in Africa, highlighting progress and gaps.

The Commissioner reiterated the Department’s dedication to building resilient education systems, ensuring inclusive access to quality learning in Africa.