SADC Parliamentary Forum president Roger Mancienne has underlined the urgent need for educational reform across the continent, advocating for a comprehensive strategy to build resilient education systems that cater to all Africans in the 21st century.
Mancienne, who is also the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, made the call on Monday when he addressed a sitting of the Pan African Parliament Committee virtually.
“We must recognize the pivotal role that quality and relevant learning play in shaping a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future,” Mancienne said during a session themed “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century.”
Noting that over 98 million children in Africa were out of school, Mancienne drew attention to learning poverty, a phenomenon where 90% of children in sub-Saharan Africa are unable to read a simple text by age ten.
He said that learning poverty had been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and presents a significant barrier to educational access and attainment across the SADC region. He called on parliaments and governments to take decisive action in tackling these challenges.
Highlighting the critical role education plays in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Mancienne praised the African Union for proposing ten national and continental objectives to drive educational reform. These objectives focus on building inclusive education systems that prioritize teacher development, STEM education, vocational training, and digital solutions.
“Foundational learning is the bedrock upon which all further learning is built,” Hon Mancienne asserted. He argued that without a solid foundation, efforts to create a knowledge-based economy would falter. He argued that equitable access to quality foundational education could significantly reduce educational disparities and promote social inclusion, in line with the goals of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2016-2025.
Mancienne also emphasised the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in transforming Africa’s education landscape, stating, “TVET must be elevated to address the skills gap and enhance employability.”
He highlighted the potential of TVET to empower the continent’s youthful population, reinforcing the need for lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market.
“In Africa, education must drive transformation,” he said, adding, “Together, we can create an Africa where every individual has the tools to succeed and where our collective potential is fully realized.”