In 2016, the African Union launched the "Continental Education Strategy for Africa" (CESA 16-25) as a bold commitment to overhaul the continent's education system. The ten-year plan aims to transform learning, tackle skills gaps and inequality, and unlock job creation for Africa's booming youth population.
Over the past decade, CESA 16-25 has guided reforms across pre-primary, primary, secondary, TVET, and tertiary sectors, striving for accessible, relevant, and future-proof education. Despite gains, African education systems still face vast challenges: low completion rates, underfunded infrastructure, and gender disparities persist.
CESA 16-25's legacy hinges on continent-wide partnership and political will, putting African priorities at the heart of education design. As the strategy's final stretch approaches, stakeholders are evaluating its impact and renewing calls for accelerated action to meet the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
Why Africa's Education System Needed Urgent Change
Africa's school-age population is surging, but education systems are faltering. Across sub-Saharan Africa, only about 70% of children complete their primary school education, and fewer than 9% reach the tertiary level. While enrolment has grown, quality and retention lag dangerously behind.
Severe literacy gaps, low "Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics" (STEM) proficiency, and limited technical pathways threaten the continent's competitiveness. Rural children, especially girls in low-income homes, face the hardest climb toward equitable learning, where opportunity too often stops before potential truly begins.
Strategic Goals and Main Pillars of CESA 16-25
CESA 16-25 is based on twelve strategic objectives, from revitalising teaching to expanding STEM and technical training.
It emphasises equity, infrastructure, digital skills, lifelong learning, and forging strong partnerships between governments, communities, and the private sector to transform Africa's education landscape by 2025.
Summary Table: CESA 16-25 Strategic Objectives
Across Africa, primary enrolment now averages 79%. Access to pre-primary and "Technical and Vocational Training" (TVET) remains limited, with only 20% and 6% enrolment rates, respectively.
The quality of teaching, safe and inclusive school environments, and widespread adoption of digital tools are now at the forefront of the agenda.
Education Enrollment Rates by Level in Africa
What's at Stake if Africa Gets Education Right/ Wrong
If Africa delivers on the CESA 16-25 blueprint, a new wave of skilled innovators, teachers, scientists, and peacebuilders will emerge. A greater focus on TVET and STEM can drive youth employability, fuel industry, and diversify economies. Strengthening gender parity promises more equitable growth.
But without deeper reforms, the gap widens. Millions more youth could be left out of school, facing mismatched skills and blocked pathways to sustainable development, at the cost of missed opportunity and rising inequality.
Steps to Accelerate CESA 16-25's Implementation
| Stakeholder | What's Needed for Change |
|---|---|
| Government leaders | Sustain funding, recruit teachers, and design inclusive policies |
| Private sector | Co-invest in digital tools and vocational training that match real market needs |
| Communities | Support literacy, keep girls in school, and protect learning for conflict-affected youth |
| International partners | Bridge finance and data gaps, foster cross-country exchanges and joint research |
Path Forward - Building the Future of Learning
Africa's education agenda now hinges on strong local coalitions and solutions rooted in African realities. Priorities under CESA 16-25 include investing in teachers, expanding STEM and TVET pathways, closing gender gaps, and ensuring inclusive learning for all.
Delivering on these goals is essential to unlock the continent's demographic dividend—fueling an innovative, equitable, and resilient generation ready to shape Africa's sustainable future, with the year coming to an end.
