Is Africa good for education?

Asked by: Malika Walker  |  Last update: December 15, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (73 votes)

According to UNESCO, 98 million children are out of school in Sub-Saharan Africa. Even when they are in school, the quality of learning is often severely lacking, and Africa has the highest illiteracy rate in the world today.

Why is education a huge problem in Africa?

  • Political - Decisions in education sector are mostly politicised.
  • Financial - lack of funds
  • Obsolete infrastructure and facilities
  • Capability of teachers
  • Teacher remuneration
  • Cultural and environmental factors
  • Attitude of students

Which African country has the best education?

Top 10 most educated countries in Africa 2024
  • Seychelles. Seychelles prioritises education; it is mandatory to go to school. ...
  • Mauritius. Mauritius is rated as one of the most educated countries in Africa, coming third with 61 points and 74th globally. ...
  • South Africa. ...
  • Algeria. ...
  • Botswana. ...
  • Kenya. ...
  • Cape Verde. ...
  • Egypt.

How unequal is education in Africa?

In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 9 million girls aged around 6 to 11 years old will never attend school, in contrast to 6 million boys. This gender disparity begins at an early age, with 23% of girls not enrolled in primary education, compared to 19% of boys.

Is education a right in Africa?

“The African Union and states' common vision for Africa's future through education is clear,” Segun said. “African governments should urgently follow through on their commitments to guarantee fully free, quality education in line with their human rights obligations by 2030.”

Top 10 African Countries With The BEST Education Systems

27 related questions found

Is education in Africa good?

School completion rates have increased from 2000 to 2022 at all levels: from 52% to 69% in primary, 35% to 50% in lower secondary and from 23% to 33% in upper secondary. Still, these gains are insufficient to prepare Africans for the 21st century and its fast-changing professional landscape.

Is education free in Africa?

As outlined by the African Union, member states across Africa are expected to ensure free, inclusive primary education, reduced costs for secondary education, and substantial investment and support for early childhood education. Financial resources are key to providing action-oriented and results-driven support.

What is the main reason why Africa is poor?

One of the key factors contributing to poverty in Africa is economic instability. High rates of unemployment, income inequality, and economic policies that sometimes fail to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable citizens of an African nation all play a role.

How many children do not attend school in Africa?

The GEM report indicates that about 98 million children remain out of school in sub-Saharan Africa alone, an increase from previous years despite global efforts to improve access to education. West and Central Africa struggle with access due to insecurity and violence, while East Africa experiences high dropout rates.

Which country is the richest in Africa?

Nigeria is considered the richest country in Africa largely due to its high GDP, driven by its vast oil reserves (which account for a major part of its revenue), agricultural output, and rapidly growing tech sector.

Which country has the best teacher training?

The United States is home to some of the best universities globally. Students can study in the US to be exposed to some of the best opportunities in the teaching profession. Popular bachelor's programs in teacher education in the US include: Bachelor of Education.

Which African country is the most respected?

The Republic of South Africa

South Africa stands as Africa's most respected country, primarily due to its substantial exports of platinum and gold. The mining sector forms the backbone of its economy, highlighting the country's significant export potential.

What is school life like in Africa?

Discipline in an African School

Questions are answered spoken together. Playful learning is rare. Children are often dictated what to do and whoever doesn't pay attention could risk getting slapped. Nonetheless, all children like going to school, because they can learn a trade or even go to university and study there.

What is the biggest education problem in the world?

Ten of the biggest problems facing education
  1. Conflict and violence. ...
  2. Violence and bullying in the classroom. ...
  3. Climate change. ...
  4. Harvest seasons and market days. ...
  5. Unpaid and underqualified teachers. ...
  6. The cost of supplies and uniforms. ...
  7. Being an older student. ...
  8. Being female.

What is the better education for Africa?

The Better Education for Africa's Rise (BEAR) project is a flagship project dedicated to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Africa. UNESCO has been implementing this project, funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea, in the African continent since 2011.

What is poverty like in Africa?

A segment of Africa's population receive low wages or do not have stable employment. Real wages increased from 2006 to 2017, but the continent's average real wages has since been declining. As many as 85% of people in Africa subsist on less than $5.50 per day.

What percent of Africa is educated?

Highest level of education completed in Africa 2016-2018

On average, 15 percent of respondents had attended post-secondary institutions. On the other hand, 28 percent of African adults had completed primary school, while 20 percent had had no formal education.

What is the education like in Nigeria?

Nigeria uses a structure of 1-6-3-3-4 that includes one year of early childhood education, six years in primary school, three years each in Junior and Senior Secondary School, and a four-year period at the university to achieve a bachelor's degree.

Why is Africa called the dark continent?

Africa was originally dubbed the “Dark Continent” by Welsh journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who saw Africa as mysterious. Its landscapes and cultures were largely unknown to many outsiders until the late nineteenth century.

Is Africa the poorest country in the world?

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to dominate the list of poorest countries: When looking at our Consensus Forecasts for the economies with the lowest GDP per capita (in U.S. dollars, current market prices) in 2025, one thing jumps out: 19 of the 20 poorest are from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Is South Africa safe to travel?

Latest update. Latest update:We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa. Protests and large gatherings can occur anywhere. Avoid areas affected by protests, demonstrations or large public gatherings.

Why does Africa struggle with education?

School systems in Africa are inevitably affected by the social and economic environments in which they operate. Household poverty forces many children out of school and into employment. Gender roles can mean that young girls are removed from school to collect water or care for their siblings.

What is the only free country in Africa?

Only eleven African states are listed as 'free' under the Freedom Index; Botswana, Mauritius, Cape Verde, Senegal, Tunisia, Ghana, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Namibia, South Africa, and Benin.

What is the religious make-up of Africa?

Africa is one of the most religious places on earth, with 95% of people identifying with a religion, according to a 2020 Afrobarometer survey . More than half, or 56%, of the continent's population are Christian, and one-third, or 34%, are Muslim.