Esther Shakela
Agenda 2063 is the strategic framework for socioeconomic transformation. It is the continent’s blueprint for repositioning Africa as a key player in the global arena, with a focus on infrastructure as a means to attain economic development. The agenda structures ideals of the Africa We Want, which is best characterised by inclusive and sustainable development.
Keyword: Inclusive.
It is an undeniable fact that a majority of Africans do not feel part of the African dream. There exists feelings of exclusion, and the retaliation to this is what some may refer to as rebellious and unpatriotic behaviour; where young people are making failed attempts to flee the continent in search of greener pastures in utopian European societies, while others fall victim to political exploitation because of their vulnerability as a result their systemic exclusion from being active participants in the economic advancement and recovery of their countries. This is equally manifested in the rising recruitment of young people into terrorist groups.
Africa is burdened with creating economic opportunities, and ensuring equal access to those opportunities for young Africans. This reverts to skills training and capacity-building, as a means of harnessing the capabilities of youth. As such, one of the greatest challenges that Africa faces is the extensive improvement of the standard of education and achieving equity in terms of access to quality education, which is a catalyst for economic productivity.
The education offered in Africa currently does not cater for the predicaments and opportunities the continent is facing. It is not attuned to the contextual realities of the continent, and is seemingly more enslaving than it is emancipating. This is justified by the evident inability of graduates to transition and utilise their qualifications gainfully.
Agenda 2063 encompasses Africa’s aspirations for the future.
Malcom X once said, “education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. We must be prepared for the future, and one of the ways in which we can do this is through effecting key reforms to our education systems.
Let us take a look at some of the pillars of Agenda 2063, and use them as a case study to illustrate the significance of quality education.
1. An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
Franklin Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, once said democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely and therefore, the real safeguard for democracy is education. In democracy, majority rules, but the majority without even the understanding of what sound governance should be will make the wrong decisions, and this is particularly evident in African democracies. One of the conditions for a successful democracy is citizen participation, but there can be no effective citizen participation without a certain level of intellectualism.
2. An Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner.
An example worth emulating displayed by developed countries is their research base. They prove to us that sustainable development is not a destination, and that is why they continue to learn in order to constantly improve. Africa cannot compete on the global scene with a knowledge base that is lacking. Partnering with other countries without sufficient information could be detrimental, and even lead to exploitation. In order to be influential as a global partner, there is a need for quality education.
3. An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential offered by African People, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.
If the aspiration of development that is people-driven is going to be actualised, we need to primarily begin with the development that will steer the former, which is human development, and this can only be done through education; it is fundamental.
Quality education is indispensable. Nevertheless, it is not the end, but should rather be seen as a means to an end. The desired socioeconomic growth can only take place in a conducive environment, one where development can take place without impediments and an educated, engaged citizenry aids in cultivating this environment.
An investment in education pays the best interest.
The Africa we want is educated.