Young at heart Two-fifths of all Africans are aged under 15. School funding is the key to their futures

The African Union (AU) is marking 2024 as its first Year of Education. This could not have come at a better time.

- Nana Akufo-Addo and Jakaya Kikwete

Commitment to education has marked the continent's progress since the 1960s era of independence. Now more than ever, this resolve must transform Africa into the world's powerhouse for the 21st century.

In 60 years Africa has made considerable progress in education, with more children finishing school. Primary school completion rates across the region between 2000 and 2022 rose from 52% to 67%. High school dropout rates slowed too, with 50% of pupils completing lower secondary, up from 35%, and 33% in upper secondary education, up from 23%, while the number of tertiary education students has risen from fewer than 800,000 in 1970 to above 17 million today. More girls are in school than ever before.

But as we usher in this year of education, we must acknowledge that any hard-won gains fall short of preparing for tomorrow's opportunities and risks.