On the margins of the 38th African Union Summit, the African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Government of Mauritania and UNICEF, will convene a High-Level Political Dialogue on Sustainable Financing Mechanisms as a Lever for Quality Education and Skills Development in Africa in the 21st Century. Scheduled for February 16, 2025, from 11:00 – 13:00 (East African time), this pivotal side event will gather key stakeholders to mobilize political will and resources towards the sustainable financing of education across the continent.

Education remains a cornerstone of economic growth and social development. Despite Africa’s rapidly growing youthful population and its potential to drive economic transformation, significant financing gaps persist. According to the joint AUC-UNICEF education financing report, the average per capita spending on education in Africa stands at $234 compared to $8,000 in high-income countries. The looming debt crisis further exacerbates these challenges, making innovative financing solutions crucial.

This side event builds upon the Nouakchott Declaration, which emerged from the Continental Conference on Education, Youth, and Employability held in Mauritania in December 2024. The Declaration calls for increased education investment by AU Member States and development partners, with seven key actions aimed at bridging the education financing gap.

The High-Level Dialogue aims to reinforce the Nouakchott Declaration, particularly its call for a Decade of Accelerated Action in Education and the elimination of Learning Poverty in Africa by 2035. It seeks to raise awareness of the status of education financing on the continent, with a special focus on humanitarian and crisis-affected contexts. The dialogue will also showcase innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), social impact bonds, and community-based financing models, highlighting their potential to bridge the funding gap in the education sector. Additionally, the event will advocate for a 10-year special funding commitment from AU Member States and international partners to support foundational learning and early childhood education. Lastly, it will serve as a platform to share key recommendations from Africa’s SDG4 report on education financing, driving collective action towards sustainable and inclusive education systems across the continent.

Key highlights from this side event will feature a keynote address by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, AU Chairperson, Professor Mohammed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI). High-profile speakers will include H.E. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, and representatives from UNICEF, the African Development Bank, and leading education experts. Heads of State and Government from across the continent will also share their insights on innovative education financing models.

The anticipated outcome of this event is a Communiqué that reinforces political commitment to the implementation of the Nouakchott Declaration and emphasizes the critical need for immediate and sustained action to address early childhood education and foundational literacy gaps through sustainable funding. The Communiqué will advocate for a 10-year special funding initiative, stressing the importance of long-term investment in Africa's education systems and the necessity for enhanced collaboration among governments, donors, private sector actors, and civil society. This High-Level Political Dialogue represents a critical opportunity for stakeholders across Africa and beyond to collectively drive action towards sustainable and inclusive education systems, ensuring that the continent's youth are equipped with the skills necessary for economic transformation and social development.

For further information, please contact:

1. Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
2. Ms. Hiba Mohamed | Advocacy Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: hibae@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
3. Mr. Maqhawe Freedom Thwala | Digital Communications Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation | African Union Commission| E-mail: ThwalaM@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
4. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
Web: www.au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube