Human Capital Africa

Human Capital Africa is a new accountability and advocacy organization that uses evidence to mobilize governments to take actions that improve foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) outcomes for children in Sub-Saharan Africa. #africa #education #sdg4 #humancapital

Africa's largest foundational learning event is just around the corner! Join us at the Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX) 2024 from November 11-13 in Kigali, Rwanda. A gathering of policymakers, educators, and global leaders to reshape Africa's education foundations. For more, visit www.africaflex2024.com

Last week, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo underscored a critical challenge at an event in Nigeria: the staggering 20 million out-of-school children, according to the World Bank. He pointed out how this group becomes a vulnerable recruitment pool for insurgent groups like Boko Haram, emphasizing that Human Capital Development is the foundation of society and the path to ensuring stability and peace. The crisis goes deeper. Even those children fortunate enough to be in school often lack essential foundational skills—literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional abilities. If we don't fix this, merely getting all out-of-school children into classrooms won’t solve the problem. We risk creating a generation that is present in school but still not learning—changing the location but not the outcome. This poses an existential threat to Nigeria and Africa's future. Without educated and skilled citizens, peace and development remain out of reach. Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to produce the largest share of the world's human capital by 2050—with Nigeria leading in population—and this is a challenge we must urgently address. We call on governments and policymakers to scale up proven interventions that can give every child in Nigeria and across Africa a real chance to succeed. Our continent’s future depends on it. Read President Obasanjo's insightful opinion piece on the subject matter using this link: https://lnkd.in/dNGW_Tvu

“People don’t realise how technology is important for Africa, and how Africa is at the centre of the #ICT revolution. Not just from a consumption perspective - but from an innovation and development perspective, too.” Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili of Human Capital Africa at #WHS2024

On this International Day of the Girl Child, Human Capital Africa highlights the importance of providing quality and equitable education for every girl. It's not just a moral imperative; it's economically and socially wise. Research shows that educating girls significantly improves economic growth, health outcomes, and overall societal well-being. When a girl receives at least 12 years of quality education: Economic Benefits: Every extra year a girl stays in school, her income can increase by up to 20%, contributing to higher GDP growth (World Bank, 2018). Health Benefits: Educated women make better life decisions regarding reproduction and marriage and are more likely to seek healthcare, reducing maternal and child mortality rates (UNICEF, 2021). This year’s theme, "Invest in Girls' Rights, Our Leadership, Our Well-being," aligns perfectly with the urgent need for foundational learning. To build a sustainable future, we must ensure that girls are given equal access to the tools that will allow them to thrive in leadership roles, make informed health choices, and drive economic change. This must be prioritized as well in their very early years. By investing in girls' education, we are investing in Africa's future. Let’s work together to break down barriers and ensure every girl has the opportunity to lead, innovate, and succeed.

Dr. Pia Rebello Britto of UNICEF emphasized the urgency of addressing the education crisis. The learning crisis affecting Africa's children is an emergency that requires prompt and decisive action from governments, development partners, and educators. The future of our children and our continent hinges on our actions today. With 9 out of 10 children in sub-Saharan Africa unable to read by age 10, this is more than just a crisis—it's a call to action. However, we have the solutions. We can ensure that no child is left behind by implementing evidence-based strategies such as Structured Pedagogy and expanding successful programs. This is our moment to act, and the time is now. Together, we can create a brighter future for Africa's children.

It's been in the works for months! We are now set!! 🚀 Ready to shape the future of education in Africa? Registration is now OPEN for the biggest foundational learning event in Africa! The African Foundational Learning Exchange (#FLEX2024)! 🌍 Join us in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 11-13, 2024, for the continent’s largest gathering on foundational learning. #FLEX2024 will bring together policymakers, education experts, and thought leaders to discuss innovative solutions to improve learning outcomes for millions of children across Africa. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation that will drive change and transform education! 🎓 👉 Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/dribhUHN Use Code 102 to register! #FLEX2024 #FoundationalLearning #EducationAfrica #AfricaFLEX #LearningForAll

Foundational education takes centre stage in shaping Africa’s future. Dr Joyce Banda's remarks at the recent UNGA79 side event serve as a reminder that a prosperous Africa starts with education. When we invest in foundational learning, we unlock endless potential. A child who can read and count is not just a statistic but the future of innovation, economic growth, and global influence. Strengthening foundational literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills enables children to thrive, securing the continent’s demographic dividend and future workforce. Africa’s leaders, development partners, and communities must collaborate to ensure that all children can read with comprehension and perform basic math by age 10. This isn’t just about closing the gap—it’s about preparing for the future of a prosperous and influential Africa as outlined in Agenda 2063.

Today, on World Teachers’ Day, we at Human Capital Africa express our deep appreciation for the extraordinary work teachers do daily. Teachers are the cornerstone of Africa's development. Their dedication to shaping young minds is integral to the future we all envision for our continent. The quality of education—and, by extension, the quality of our future workforce—rests in the hands of these incredible educators who wake up every day to inspire, challenge, and uplift the next generation. As we continue to push for educational reforms and enhanced learning outcomes, we must recognize that teachers are at the heart of these efforts. Without them, there can be no meaningful progress. Every successful policy or initiative depends on their expertise, passion, and commitment to the success of our children. This World Teachers’ Day, we acknowledge teachers' pivotal role in realizing Africa’s potential. To all the teachers across the continent: thank you for the sacrifices you make, the knowledge you impart, and the hope you inspire. As we look toward the future, investing in teachers' training, well-being, and professional development is not just a necessity—it is essential to ensuring that every African child receives the quality education they deserve. At Human Capital Africa, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that empower teachers, enhance learning outcomes, and build resilient education systems for the future of our continent.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education in Ghana, has set a significant goal for Africa: 90% of children should be proficient in reading by age 10. His impactful statement at the #UNGA2024 side event organised by the African Union, Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA). VVOB, Teaching at the Right Level Africa, Hempel Foundation, UNICEF and Human Capital Africa urge us to contemplate our responsibilities as educators, policymakers, and communities. If children attend school regularly but are not proficient in reading, the issue lies not with the children, but with the systems, structures, and support we provide for them.   This is not just about literacy; it's about establishing a foundation for lifelong learning. Ensuring that every child can read opens doors to opportunities, reduces inequalities, and empowers future generations to thrive.   This goal aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA), both of which emphasize the crucial role of education in shaping the Africa we desire. As 2024 has been designated the Year of Education, this presents a unique opportunity to rally efforts and expedite progress towards achieving these goals.   Attaining this target is not merely a goal; it's an urgent imperative. This requires implementing evidence-based solutions that can enhance learning outcomes. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind. Let's take action now for the children of Africa and the future of our continent!