Why Education is Critical to who leads Africa

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

The remarkable rise of China and other East Asian nations can, in large part, be attributed to an educated population that was well-positioned to contribute productively when favorable conditions were established. This highlights a crucial truth: effective leadership without an educated youth – or a skilled working population – may fall short of achieving its developmental goals.

A well-educated populace is, therefore, an indispensable foundation for progress.

Historical Context of Education in Africa

At the time of independence, many African nations faced the challenge of a largely uneducated population. Educational opportunities were often limited to capital cities and a few semi-urban areas, with most schools focusing predominantly on the arts.

This restricted the growth of critical areas like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In some cases, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), colonial governments prioritized resource exploitation over developing human capital. The result was a significant deficit of skilled labor, particularly in STEM fields, which hindered post-independence economic transformation.

While some African nations attempted to address these gaps, progress was often derailed by political instability, including coups that shifted state resources toward physical security rather than socio-economic priorities like education.

Post-Cold War Efforts and Progress

The post-Cold War era marked a turning point for many African countries, as they began prioritizing education-driven development. Governments promoted mass school enrollment, with some introducing free and compulsory basic education.

These efforts have yielded progress, but much work remains for nations aspiring to become leaders on the continent.

Charting the Way Forward

With a median age of just 19.7 years, Africa has a unique opportunity to harness the potential of its youthful population through structured and high-quality education. Nations that emphasize STEM education are particularly well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world, regardless of their natural resource endowments.

A skilled workforce can transform countries into regional industrial hubs, driving economic growth and innovation.

In addition, educated societies are more likely to experience political stability, which in turn attracts investment and fosters economic development. Stability is a critical component for nations aiming to assert leadership in Africa.

Education also plays a pivotal role in addressing challenges like radicalization. While radicalization involves complex socio-political factors, an informed and educated population is better equipped to counter its adverse effects.

Nations seeking continental leadership must cultivate knowledgeable and critical-thinking citizens, reducing the risk of societal manipulation.

Investing in Education

For Africa to realize its potential, education must remain a cornerstone of its development agenda. By investing in quality education – especially in STEM fields – African nations can position their youth as agents of economic transformation and leaders in innovation.

Stability, growth, and resilience are within reach for countries that prioritize education, laying the foundation for a prosperous and influential future.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.