Addis Ababa Reports on Education as Key to Africa’s Future
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – at the African Union (AU) Headquarters, former AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma highlighted the critical importance of education for sustainable development and peace across Africa.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Dlamini-Zuma spoke during this year’s AU summit, which carried the theme: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”
Dlamini-Zuma emphasized the significance of the 37th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union’s focus on education, stating it as essential for skilling individuals for job creation and development. She pointed out that for African nations to achieve economic growth and development, investment in education is paramount. “Our member states must understand that if you invest in education, we are investing in the economy,” she said, underscoring the necessity for skilled labor to utilize the continent’s abundant resources effectively.
The former chairperson also stressed the need for member states to prioritize education by allocating significant portions of their budgets to this sector. She highlighted the importance of providing accessible education and technical training to prepare the youth for technological advancements and economic contribution.
Addressing the link between peace, security, and development, Dlamini-Zuma remarked on the essential role of peace for progress, advocating for the African Union’s cooperation with the United Nations Security Council to maintain stability on the continent. She called for the inclusion of Africa in global peace and security discussions, emphasizing equality and dignity for all nations.
Dlamini-Zuma’s remarks at the AU summit underscore the continent’s move towards prioritizing education as a foundational element for its future growth and stability, urging both national and international support in these efforts.