Silethemba Mlauzi
UNICEF has highlighted the persistent underfunding of education across the continent, emphasizing the urgent need for governments to allocate adequate resources towards ensuring quality education for all children.
Recent data from UNICEF reveals that the majority of African countries are falling short of the recommended 20 per cent budget allocation for education as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals framework. Out of 49 African nations, only nine have met or exceeded this benchmark, with 24 countries allocating at least 15 per cent and six countries directing less than 10 per cent of their public spending to education.
Zimbabwe, despite making strides in increasing public funding for education, currently allocates only 15 per cent of its budget to the sector. Dr. Nicholas Alipui, UNICEF Representative ai in Zimbabwe, stresses the necessity for Zimbabwe to elevate its investment in education to 20 per cent to achieve universal, inclusive, and equitable basic education for all children by 2030.
Highlighting the critical role of education in human capital development, UNICEF emphasizes that insufficient funding for education in Africa is hindering millions of children from acquiring essential skills for future prosperity. Despite progress in boosting primary and lower secondary enrolment, schools continue to face challenges such as underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, and a scarcity of adequately trained teachers.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education financing in Africa has been significant, with spending levels now resembling those of a decade ago. With an estimated 1 billion children expected in Africa by 2050, the gap between education funding needs and available resources is widening, posing a threat to the future economic growth and stability of the region.
Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, emphasizes the urgent need for concrete action to ensure that children receive the foundational skills necessary for their educational advancement. Kadilli advocates for increased public investment in early childhood education, citing studies that underscore the transformative power of early learning interventions.
In light of the Day of the African Child 2024 theme, “Education for all children in Africa: the time is now,” UNICEF is calling on African Union Member States to prioritize pre-primary and foundational learning. The organization has outlined key actions aimed at enhancing education funding, including recommitting to the 20 per cent budget benchmark for education, increasing attention to early learning, and improving transparency and efficiency in education budget allocations.
As the African Union commemorates the Day of the African Child on June 16, UNICEF’s advocacy for increased education financing remains a focal point in ensuring access to quality education for all children in Africa.
The Day of the African Child, observed on June 16 annually, commemorates the Soweto Uprising in 1976 and aims to address education injustices and promote equality for African children. Aligning with the African Union’s Year of Education, the 2024 theme underscores the importance of providing inclusive, lifelong, and quality education for all children on the continent.
