The World Bank has called for urgent education reforms in Africa to build a more inclusive economic growth.
It said despite signs of a fragile economic recovery, Sub-Saharan Africa, remained stuck in “low gear” with a large youth population at risk of being left behind.
The World Bank stated this in its latest edition of Africa Pulse, the World Bank’s twice-yearly regional economic update released on October 14.
It revealed that two factors were critical to jumpstart inclusive growth, stabilising economies and transforming education to equip the region’s growing workforce with stronger foundational skills and market relevant expertise.
The report, which is in its 30th edition and on the theme; ‘Transforming Education for Inclusive Growth,’ said currently, 7 in 10 children in Sub-Saharan Africa did not have access to pre-primary education, and less than 1.5 per cent of youth aged 15 to 24 are enrolled in vocational training, compared to 10 per cent in high-income countries.
According to the World Bank, closing those gaps was vital for unlocking Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic potential and driving sustainable, inclusive growth.
Supporting entrepreneurship and new start-ups, allowing small businesses to grow, and attracting larger and established firms, the report disclosed that there were also essential to help skilled graduates find meaningful jobs opportunities when they try to enter and advance in the workforce.
Commenting on the report, the World Bank Chief Economist for the Africa Region said, “African governments are making strides to stabilise their finances and close budget gaps.”
“But high debt burdens are limiting investments in critical areas like education, health and infrastructure, which are essential for long-term, and inclusive growth,” he emphasised.
Mr Dabalen Africa’s working-age population is expanding faster than any other region, driven by progress in child survival over the last two decades.
“Yet, Sub-Saharan Africa spends less on education per capita than any other region. To achieve universal education by 2030, the authors of Africa’s Pulse estimate that education systems would need to absorb about 170 million more children and adolescents – requiring an estimated 9 million new classrooms and 11 million new teachers,” he explained.
However, he said, the region had already made significant strides with 270 million children enrolled in primary and secondary schools today, and primary school completion rates had improved substantially since 2000.
“Looking ahead, Africa’s youth will need to be well educated and appropriately skilled to access better jobs and take advantage of new digital and green economy opportunities,” noted Dabalen.
“Evidence-based planning and smart spending will be crucial to expanding access while improving learning and employment outcomes,” he stated.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE