As we celebrate Africa Youth Day, we reflect on the immense potential of over 420 million young Africans who are the driving force behind the continent’s development agenda. We are reminded of the importance of amplifying their voices, investing in their education and equipping them with the skills they need to shape a brighter future.

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and its strategic partners have invested heavily in the growth and development of young Africans by ensuring access to quality, holistic education and lifelong learning. ECW is empowering young Africans to build a future of progress, innovation and resilience in countries like Chad, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda.

Africa faces significant challenges in providing access to quality education. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly 30% of the 250 million out-of-school children globally. This education crisis is exacerbated by regional conflicts, climate-related disasters and systemic poverty, all of which force children to abandon their studies. In conflict zones, grave violations of children’s rights, such as attacks on schools, further disrupt learning. According to the UNHCR, Africa is home to nearly 30 million forcibly displaced people, a large portion of whom are children in need of educational support. For this reason and more, the African Union declared 2024 as the year of education.

"With the right opportunities, the current accomplishments and future potential of Africa are limitless." ~Yasmine Sherif