Education in Africa

Nowhere in the world is the global learning crisis more severe than in Africa, where an estimated four out of five children are unable to read a simple text by the age of 10. 

While this problem is broadly understood, there remains a large knowledge gap in understanding how to effectively address it at scale and within challenging contexts, including the solutions and investments that governments and partners should take to reverse this trend. Ignoring this crisis risks squandering the immense potential of Africa's demographic shift.

Drawing from data covering over 167,000 schools, and insights from thousands of students, teachers, parents and education officials, this project synthesizes research conducted by UNICEF on education in 33 countries in Africa, to identify promising pathways to improve learning outcomes while strengthening equity and resilience in African education systems.

The research is presented in a policy brief and three working papers that examine how to use local education data to inform decisions that address country-specific challenges; harness untapped potential through strategic new investments; and bridge the gap between policy and practice through effective implementation.

This work aims to provide African education leaders with an evidence-based framework to create more equitable, efficient and resilient education systems that serve all learners.