African Union (AU) Commissioner for Education, Sciences, Technology and Innovation Mohammed Belhocine has called for urgent action to address structural funding deficits in education. He said Africa needs to mobilise sufficient funds and implement Nouakchott Declaration to promote quality education across the continent. The AU declared 2024 as the \”Year of Education,\” under the theme \”Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,\” aiming to strengthen education systems, promote innovation, and foster resilience in learning. The only way to have real opportunities for them is to have strong technical and vocational education and training policies and strategies at continental level, he said. He stressed the need to reintegrate more than 100 million out-of-school children in Africa. He added that the AU has given significant attention to strengthen. education financing, foster multi-stakeholder partnerships, and ensure equitable access for all learners, especially girls, youth, and children in conflict zones during 2024. He also said that education is key to unlocking Africa’s potential and accelerating social progress, economic growth, and sustainable development.
