Salutation

Mr Firmin Matoko, ADG UNESCO
Distinguished Members of the High Table,
Honorable Ministers,
Excellencies members of the diplomatic corps Distinguished Representatives of AU Member States, Esteemed Partners and Stakeholders in STEM Education, Innovators, Researchers, Educators,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
All protocol duly observed.

Let me use this opportunity to convey to you, the warm regards from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission – Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat. Thank you for making it to this Continental Conference on Transforming STEM in Africa within the framework of Education as the AU Theme of the Year 2024.

I would like to express our deep gratitude to all those who have taken or are taking part to the different segments of this gathering, particularly the youth. Warm thanks also to UNESCO which has been a constant and effective support during this year of Education, and which played a key role in preparing and organizing this event.

So, in this rapidly changing world, where knowledge and technology redefine the boundaries of possibility, it is both timely and essential that we gather here to explore, strategize, and forge a future where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) shape the backbone of our continent’s development.

Africa is a continent rich in resources, not only in its lands but in its people, especially the youth who make up over 60% of our population. This youthful population holds untold potential to transform our economies, lead in innovation, and build solutions tailored to Africa's unique challenges and opportunities.

However, to fully realize this potential, there is a need to act decisively to build a robust education and skills foundation that empowers our youth to excel in STEM fields and beyond.

This is highlighted in the AU Agenda 2063, and encapsulated in the Continental Education Strategy for Africa, which provides a framework for transforming education and training systems in Africa; and the Sustainable Development Goals.

STEM education is not merely an academic endeavor; it is a catalytic force for sustainable development. When we invest in STEM, we fuel the engines of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth. We unlock doors, inter alia, to modern healthcare, advanced agriculture, green energy, and digital

technology, promoting Africa’s capacities and positioning it as an equal partner on the global stage.

Indeed issues such as food security, climate change, energy access, and water scarcity, though common to all regions, have contextual peculiarities. Thus, they demand innovative, and Africa-centered solutions. By equipping our youth with the tools and knowledge to address these issues, we empower them to become architects of a resilient and prosperous future.

Yet, while we embrace the promise of STEM, we need to also acknowledge the barriers that have prevented too many young Africans from accessing quality STEM education. Disparities in resources, the unacceptable gender biases in STEM education, and a lack of infrastructure have hindered the development of many bright minds. As we work to expand STEM education, we must commit to making it inclusive, accessible, and relevant.

Ladies and Gentlemen

As we work towards a transformed STEM landscape, we recognize that this journey requires collaborative effort. The African Union is committed to strengthening partnerships with governments, academic institutions, civil society, the private sector, to mobilize resources, expertise, and opportunities for Africa’s youth.

Together, we are championing groundbreaking initiatives like teacher capacity building in STEM, the integration of digital learning tools, and the establishment of STEM centers of excellence across Africa. These efforts are pivotal to achieving our goal of a 21st Century Education that is responsive to the evolving job market and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

As we equip young Africans with STEM knowledge, we must also focus on skills that foster entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and problem-solving, skills that are essential in a world where many traditional jobs are evolving, and new career paths emerge every day.

A STEM-oriented education system is the gateway to high-impact careers, empowering young people to not only seek jobs but to create them, leading Africa towards self-sufficiency and economic independence.

Distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen,

The future we envision, a future of innovation, sustainability, and self-determination for Africa, is within our reach. By advancing STEM education, we are laying the groundwork for generations of young Africans who will not only lead in Africa but will make transformative contributions globally. Africa’s destiny is one of

resilience, strength, and limitless potential, and STEM is a powerful tool that will help us unlock it.

The African Union reaffirms its commitment to this cause, and we stand ready to support all efforts to make our vision a reality.

We must be bold in our vision, united and persistent in our purpose, and committed to our actions and roles in transforming STEM in Africa.

Speaking of persistence and commitment, I am pleased to inform you that we just ended our statutory Specialized Technical Committee meeting on Education, Science and Technology which endorsed the proposals of a truly systemic strategic package, ranging from renewed continental strategies for CESA, STISA and TVET for the period 2025-2034 to the declaration of a “decade for the acceleration of education and skills development” 2025-2034, via the strengthening of tools for the harmonious continental development of start-ups and a welcome reflection on an African charter devoted to reversing the brain drain of African competencies. Once adopted by the upcoming summit, this package will constitute the crowning of our Year of education, and it will offer a decadal comprehensive roadmap for transforming education in Africa.

Once again, I use this opportunity to thank you all, especially to our partners that have made this a reality and to all of you 

present, for your dedication, your commitment, and your shared vision.

Together, we can build an Africa where every young person is educated, skilled, and equipped to thrive in the 21st Century.

Thank you for your attention, and I hereby declare the Continental Conference on Transforming STEM in Africa officially open.