Education in Africa - The New Threat of the III Millennium

Joseph Caristena

Wed, 07 Oct 2026

Sub-Saharan Africa has the fastest growing child population in the world. 

Yet, the current education system is at capacity, and the demand will increase with nearly 750 million children expected to be of school age by 2050/2060. 

By the middle of this century, Africa will be home to a billion children and adolescents under 18 years of age,  almost 40 per cent of all children and
adolescents in the 0-18 age group worldwide.  
This young population can be a powerful source of growth and progress in Africa, as well as the world, if children and adolescents receive the right opportunities to thrive and develop their full potential.

This rapid increase of children and young people presents a significant fiscal pressure on governments in terms of service delivery needs, early childhood development interventions, and sustained investment in accessible and quality education for all, especially girls.

In 2024, the African Union is focused on the theme of education: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century".

Ibuni Education Programme will focus on four topics: Foundational Learning; Jobs and Skills; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Higher Education; and Education Finance. 

...