Short, dynamic conversation between a host and two experts to set the scene on the status of African education systems. It will explore the opportunities and challenges they face to equip the rapidly growing talent pool with the skills needed in existing and emerging sectors, as well as the changing world of work.

A fourth of the African youth is not in education, employment or training (NEET). This is a major impediment to the continent’s economic progress: According to recent estimates by (Gust, S., E. Hanushek and L. Woessmann, 2024), if all African children were in school and attained foundational skills level, Africa’s real GDP growth –projected at 4.0% in 2025– could be considerably boosted.

Beyond that quantitative challenge, policies must also tackle the qualitative aspect: The global digital revolution and the consequences of climate change are reshaping the skillset required to propel Africa’s transformation. Which specific skills are in short supply? What solutions are being implemented to address gaps between the demand and the supply of skills in the various sectors?

Short, dynamic conversation between a host and two experts on fostering a culture of digital entrepreneurship, while improving women’s access to and proficiency in digital skills and technologies.

On average, in 2021, African governments spent 3.7% of their GDP on education, or 14.5% of their total public expenditure, slightly below the international benchmarks set by UNESCO. Those levels have been stagnating since 2000. External resources are not offsetting that trend: The share of official development assistance (ODA) disbursements allocated to education has flatlined since 2013.

How can African governments secure greater resources for education, and implement cost-effective measures to better allocate available funding? What partnerships and innovative financing tools have proven to work? What role can the private sector and philanthropic foundations play in financing for education?