The World Bank has warned of a learning crisis in sub-Saharan Africa that could result in $21 trillion of lost productivity globally if immediate action is not taken. However, they also highlighted that addressing this crisis could lead to $6.5 trillion of additional global value by 2030.
At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, African leaders and global development partners came together to emphasize the importance of prioritizing foundational learning in Africa. The crisis is most severe in Africa, where nine out of 10 children struggle with basic reading and mathematics by age 10.
African leaders stressed the need for long-term focus on education and bold investments to support African children. They emphasized that foundational learning is crucial for Africa’s development and urged for urgent implementation of evidence-based solutions to improve learning outcomes.
The event also highlighted the need for accountability mechanisms and peer review processes to ensure promises made to children are kept. Former African leaders and education experts agreed that investing in education is key to unlocking Africa’s potential and driving economic growth.
In conclusion, urgent action is required to address the learning crisis in Africa and equip the younger generation with the necessary skills for the future.