How African governments can sustain education funding amid economic slowdown

The impact of COVID-19 on education in Africa has been severe, with many children out of school for prolonged periods. Charles North, Acting CEO at Global Partnership for Education, highlighted the challenges faced by African governments in sustaining education funding amid economic slowdowns in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. North emphasized the importance of domestic financing as the most significant and sustainable form of education funding in lower and lower-middle-income countries. He acknowledged the tremendous efforts of countries like Kenya and Rwanda in responding to the crisis and ensuring children return to school. Addressing the repercussions of prolonged school closures, North explained that while some children may never fully regain lost learning, efforts are underway, including accelerated learning programs, to help students catch up. The inequalities in education, particularly in Africa, have been exacerbated by the pandemic and ongoing conflicts, disproportionately affecting underserved populations. However, partnerships like the Global Partnership for Education are working to improve access to quality education by investing in teacher training, psychological support for students and teachers, and essential infrastructure. Looking ahead at the future of work, North highlighted the need for innovative approaches to reach marginalized children, emphasizing the importance of digital learning skills and higher-level reasoning skills. He noted that the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote learning and the exploration of new ways to transform education to ensure every child receives quality education. Discussing the funding gap in the education sector, North underscored the significance of directing at least 20 percent of a country's budget towards education. While some African countries face challenges due to debt burdens, North emphasized the critical need for investment in education to secure the future workforce. He commended leaders like President Kenyatta of Kenya and President Kagame of Rwanda for their commitments to prioritize education funding. Innovative financing options, such as the Global Partnership for Education's multiplier approach, seek to leverage resources from multilateral banks, foundations, and the private sector to provide additional funds for education. Collaborations with private sector companies in countries like Kenya demonstrate the potential for public-private partnerships to support education initiatives. As the education sector continues to navigate economic challenges, global initiatives and partnerships will play a vital role in sustaining education funding in Africa.