Africa’s Future lies in education and skills

By Nomatemba Tambo, Former High Commissioner of South Africa to the United Kingdom

As African foreign ministers gathered in Addis Ababa from July 17-19, choosing the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) was a crucial undercurrent. With the 2024 AU theme “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century,” we need a leader who can drive this vision. January Makamba, Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, is the ideal candidate for this role.

The African Union’s 2024 theme focuses on building resilient education systems, emphasising the need for inclusive and quality learning opportunities across the continent. This aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning for all.
Despite recent progress, many African children still lack access to education. UNESCO estimates that over 100 million children and young people in Sub-Saharan Africa are out of school. Poverty, conflict, and gender inequality exacerbate this issue, with girls being particularly disadvantaged.

Addressing these challenges requires visionary leaders who can implement strategic policies and allocate resources effectively. The goal is to create educational environments resilient to crises and adaptable to the global economy’s evolving demands. This is crucial as Africa’s youthful population is projected to be the world’s largest workforce by 2035. To harness this demographic dividend, we need a robust education system that equips youth with 21st-century skills and knowledge.

Investing in education is also key to broader socio-economic development. Studies show that every additional year of schooling can increase an individual’s earnings by approximately 10%, significantly reducing poverty.

Additionally, educated populations have better health outcomes, higher civic participation, and lower crime rates.
January Makamba is uniquely positioned to lead this charge. Raised within the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Party and influenced by prominent Pan-Africanists like Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Salim Ahmed Salim, Makamba has a deep understanding of African unity and solidarity. His political upbringing instilled in him the importance of these objectives, making him an advocate for African unity from an early age.

Makamba’s extensive political career spans two decades, including roles as a senior aide to former President Jakaya Kikwete, a Member of Parliament, and a Minister in several key portfolios. As Minister of Environment, he led initiatives addressing climate change and sustainable development. As Minister of Energy, he promoted policies enhancing energy security and sustainability, crucial for modern education infrastructure. Currently, as Foreign Minister, he has strengthened Tanzania’s diplomatic ties and bolstered its standing in regional and international forums.

Makamba’s commitment to education and youth engagement is evident in his advocacy for integrating technology in education. He recognizes the potential of digital tools to bridge educational gaps, aligning perfectly with the AU’s vision of educating Africa for the 21st century. His global recognition, including being named a Young Global Leader by the World
Economic Forum and a Fellow of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellowship, reflects his leadership capabilities and commitment to African unity and prosperity.

In a continent where the youth form the majority, it is essential to have a leader who can inspire and mobilise this demographic. Makamba’s youth and experience make him relatable and capable of engaging young Africans, driving them to participate in and contribute to the continent’s development. His vision for a technologically advanced, educated Africa aligns with the AU’s goals, emphasizing the need for quality education to drive sustainable development and economic growth.

The African Union needs a leader who can advance Africa’s unity and renaissance agenda. Makamba’s dedication to the AU and its institutions, combined with his proactive approach to addressing the continent’s challenges, makes him the best candidate for AUC Chairperson. His leadership would ensure the AU’s institutions are held in high esteem and effectively implement policies for Africa’s development, including Agenda 2063.

The selection of the next AUC Chairperson is a critical decision that will shape our continent’s future. We must choose a leader who understands our challenges and possesses the vision and dynamism to address them effectively. January Makamba is that leader. His blend of youthful vigour and extensive experience makes him uniquely suited to lead the AU towards a brighter, more educated, and skilled future. I urge my fellow African leaders to seriously consider his candidacy for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Nomatemba Tambo High Commissioner of South Africa to the United Kingdom