In today’s interconnected world, the transformative power of education cannot be overstated. It has the ability to break down barriers, empower individuals, and propel societies forward. This is especially evident in Africa, a continent with a rich cultural heritage and abundant human potential. Armed with its burgeoning young population, which accounts for over 40% of its inhabitants, Africa is at a pivotal point in its history wherein education plays a crucial role. Yet, to harness this extraordinary potential, education must be recognized as a catalyst for change, empowering individuals, communities, and nations alike.
Africa’s educational system remains predominantly underachieving, with the UNESCO reporting that approximately 30 million children and adolescents are deprived of primary school education in the sub-Saharan African region. Also, educational disparities persist across African social classes, disproportionately impacting rural and marginalized communities. For instance, the reports have shown that in West Africa, over 40% of children of primary and secondary education age are not enrolled in schools.
How can these hurdles be surmounted, and in what ways can education pave the way for a sustainable future for all?
Investing in the Future Together
For Africa to fully leverage its human capital dividend, investments in education must be encouraged to transcend short-term gains and embrace the enduring commitment required to achieve sustainable transformation. In line with this, the World Bank reports that every dollar invested in an additional year of schooling yields an economic return of at least 10%. This indicates that the ripple effects of this impact investment extend far beyond increased income, encompassing improved financial outcomes, reduced inequality, and heightened social cohesion.
The private sector has a role to play in this equation and could be a main contributor to help resolve key challenges in education that would ultimately help develop communities further. Based on their strategies and product offerings, organizations can support the field through knowledge sharing, monetary support, or infrastructure development.
From a BIC perspective, we have a commitment to improve learning conditions for 250 million students by the year 2025, and have impacted around 190 million students to date. Our strategy is to provide students with the essential school supplies as well as enhance their learning environment to help them perform better. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom as well, to incorporate creativity in youth development and empower students to express themselves through different avenues.
Promoting Inclusivity
Inclusive education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. It ensures that every child has equal opportunities to learn and thrive regardless of background, ability, or socio-economic status. In Africa, inclusive education has an added significance as it embraces diverse cultural perspectives, languages, and indigenous knowledge systems. By embracing inclusion, we can tap into the vast wealth of Africa’s heritage, promote social cohesion, and create a nurturing environment for all learners. As a significant player in the African economic landscape, BIC recognizes the importance of inclusivity and actively supports initiatives that promote diversity and equal access to education, especially through our support of public and private educational institutions within the continent.
In line with this, we work closely with the Raising Star Africa Foundation in Nigeria. One of the most recent initiatives we were involved in was to commemorate Children’s Day by celebrating the abilities of differently abled children. The event tagged ‘This-Ability’, was organized to render a voice to children with special needs encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and unleash their creativity.
Partnering for Impact
Collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and international partners is paramount for the African educational sector to reach its full potential. As such, as a socially responsible organization, at BIC, we are unwavering in our commitment to effecting meaningful change through purposeful partnerships that place education at the forefront of the African development agenda. We believe in co-creating innovative solutions, harnessing our expertise, resources, and expansive global network to drive positive change and foster enduring impact. As such, our pursuit of sustainable development through education is an integral aspect of our organization’s sustainability initiatives.
In Nigeria, we have partnered with like-minded organizations to support schools by donating materials and other academic essentials to aid learning across communities. A gleaming example of this is our renovation of the Igando Inclusive School Unit, following an unfortunate flood. The revamped school facility has allowed students access to a conducive learning environment.
BIC’s partnership with Enactus, a non-governmental organization, committed to socio-economic and environmental impact, during the Enactus World Cup is testament to the company’s belief in empowering ambitious youth that are trying to find education-driven solutions to social and cultural challenges.
Education remains the bedrock upon which a sustainable future for Africa should be built. By investing in Africa’s education, we invest in its most valuable resource, its people. Through collaborative efforts, inclusive practices, and strategic, impactful investments, private and public organizations can collectively unlock the full potential of Africa’s education sector, drive the continent to great heights, unleash its boundless potential, and ignite a transformative wave of sustainable development.
Abderahmane Fall, General Manager, West and Central Africa, BIC
