Kagame urges Africa to prioritize strategic investments in youth education

Elias Hakizimana Dec 11, 2024Dec 11, 2024 0 Comments

By The Inspirer.

African nations must prioritize strategic investments in education to equip their youth with practical skills, harness the continent’s demographic dividend, and drive socioeconomic transformation.

This was the central message delivered by President Paul Kagame during the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability held on Tuesday in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

The forum, organized by the African Union (AU) in partnership with UNICEF, convened African and global leaders, including Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban.

Speaking on the theme “Educating and Qualifying Our Youth for a Prosperous, Integrated, and Dynamic Africa,” President Kagame emphasized the need for African nations to reallocate resources strategically and take ownership of youth-focused education initiatives.

“It is Africa’s responsibility to better manage our resources. Relying solely on external support is not a sustainable strategy. Effective partnerships must complement, not replace, African leadership. It’s not about size or wealth; it’s about making informed choices. This is within Africa’s reach,” Kagame stated.

He further underscored the importance of early childhood education and universal access to schooling, linking these efforts to long-term economic growth.

“The economic benefits of ensuring every child receives an education cannot be overstated. Studies show that an additional year of schooling can increase earnings by up to 10%. Education truly transforms lives,” he added.

President Kagame also called attention to the pressing issue of youth migration, attributing it to the lack of opportunities at home.

“Too many young Africans risk their lives seeking better opportunities abroad. This is a clear indicator that we need to do more to empower our youth. Africa is our shared home, and it is our duty to ensure every African has a future here,” he said.

Bridging education and employability

The two-day forum aims to address critical issues such as aligning education with job market demands, adapting education to the digital age, and responding to global economic shifts. The conference also evaluates the progress of AU member states in fulfilling international commitments, including the Fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA).

Moreover, participants discussed innovative funding mechanisms to sustain education reforms and prepare Africa’s youth for 21st-century challenges. The event brought together heads of state, education and labor ministers, policy experts, and representatives from AU member states.

By advocating for ownership, innovation, and strategic resource allocation, President Kagame reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a self-reliant and prosperous Africa through education.