Africa is at a pivotal moment in its history. With over 363 million youth (60% of its population under the age of 25), the continent is uniquely positioned to harness this demographic dividend for transformative growth. Yet, realizing this potential hinges on a critical factor; education.
The African Union has declared 2024 as the Year of Education under the theme “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century” which underscores the urgency of equipping Africa’s youth with the skills and knowledge necessary for sustainable development.
The upcoming UNESCO Forum on Higher Education in Africa, to be held in Nairobi, Kenya between 10th and 11th December, 2024, is a timely platform for addressing the challenges and opportunities within the education sector. It will focus on the role of higher education as a driver of sustainable development, exploring policies and frameworks that support research, innovation, employment creation, and entrepreneurship. This aligns with the objectives of global and regional conventions, such as the Addis Convention, which aim to promote mobility and recognition of qualifications across borders.
The Education-Employment Gap in Africa
Despite its youthful population, Africa faces significant hurdles in education. Gross enrolment rates in tertiary education remain at a mere 9%—far below the global average of 42%. Similarly, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrolment is under 5%, and foundational learning levels are alarmingly low, with only 13% of children by age 10 able to read a simple story. These statistics highlight a glaring disparity between Africa’s educational ambitions and its current realities.
Moreover, while higher education institutions are vital for socio-economic development through the creation and dissemination of knowledge, Africa’s contribution to global research output is negligible. The continent generates less than 1% of the world’s research and invests only 0.59% of its GDP in research and development (R&D), compared to the global average of 1.79%.
Kenya’s Experience: A Case Study in Expansion and Challenges
Kenya exemplifies both the progress and challenges faced by higher education in Africa. From just two universities in 1970, the country now boasts 64 fully-fledged universities, with student enrolment surging to 573,776 by 2024. This growth has been driven by supportive government policies, such as the Free Primary and Secondary Education Policy (2003) and the University Act (2013), which have expanded access to education at all levels.
Kenyan universities have made notable strides in research, producing 7,422 outputs (6,991 publications and 431 innovations) in the 2023/2024 fiscal year. Research efforts have led to groundbreaking innovations, such as the M-Pesa mobile money transfer system and the development of high-yielding crop varieties. However, challenges persist. Despite a commendable allocation of 0.8% of GDP to R&D, issues like inadequate facilities, insufficient funding, poorly trained academic staff, and overemphasis on publications over innovations hamper the universities’ ability to translate research into tangible socio-economic benefits.
The Disconnect Between Research and Innovation
One of the critical challenges facing African universities is the prioritization of basic research over applied research. While publications are valuable for academic prestige, they often fail to address practical challenges or lead to commercialization. For instance, Kenya’s universities have excelled in generating knowledge but lag in turning these outputs into innovations that drive economic growth.
This disconnect prompts an important question: does the sheer volume of research outputs equate to economic development? The answer is a resounding no. The focus should not be on the quantity of research but on its quality, relevance, and potential for commercialization. Universities must shift their emphasis towards applied research and foster stronger collaborations with industry to bridge this gap.
Overcoming Challenges for a Knowledge-Based Economy
To fully leverage the potential of higher education as a driver of sustainable development, several challenges must be addressed:
1. Funding: Governments and private sectors must increase investments in higher education and R&D. Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in supporting university research and innovation.
2. Infrastructure: Modern facilities and access to cutting-edge technology are essential for fostering innovation.
3. Capacity Building: Universities need well-trained academic staff and leadership to create an environment conducive to research and innovation.
4. Governance: Transparent and effective governance in universities is critical for prioritizing innovation and commercialization.
5. Industry Collaboration: Universities should align their research priorities with industry needs, facilitating pathways for innovations to reach the market.
Toward a Sustainable Future
Africa’s future lies in its ability to transform its young population into a skilled and innovative workforce. Initiatives like UNESCO’s Campus Africa and the China Funds-in-Trust (CFIT III) project aim to strengthen higher education institutions and foster industry linkages. These programs emphasize enhancing research capacities, promoting mobility, and developing labor-market-relevant skills.
The upcoming UNESCO Forum is a unique opportunity to reflect on these challenges and chart a course forward. By aligning higher education policies with sustainable development goals, stakeholders can ensure that African universities become hubs of innovation, driving economic growth and addressing pressing societal issues.
As we celebrate the Year of Education, the message is clear: education is not just a means to an end but the foundation of a prosperous and sustainable Africa. The time to act is now, for the sake of the continent’s youth and the generations to come.
By Vincent Obino Orucho
Assistant Director, Research
Ministry of Education, State Department for Higher Education and Research
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