UNESCO, in partnership with UNICEF and the African Union, has launched the Second Continental Report on SDG4 and CESA during the Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education (PACTED). The event coincided with the official launch of the African Union Decade of Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills Development in Africa (2024–2035).

Titled Transforming Learning and Skills Development in Africa, the report marks a shift from broad diagnostics to concrete, evidence-based solutions. It highlights scalable policies and practices that are driving real change across the continent.

With Africa’s youth projected to represent 42% of the global youth population by 2030, the stakes have never been higher. The report identifies seven promising approaches—from inclusive education and alternative learning pathways to teacher learning communities, education and TVET financing, and data-driven planning—designed to bridge persistent gaps in access, quality, and relevance, while equipping young Africans with the skills needed for the future.

The launch was co-chaired by Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation; Mr. Abdoulaye Salifou, Head of the Education Sector at the UNESCO Liaison Office to the African Union; and Ms. Laila Gad, UNICEF Representative to the African Union. Together, they reaffirmed UNESCO and UNICEF’s joint commitment to advancing SDG4 and CESA.

Partners and participants emphasized the importance of the newly proclaimed African Union Decade of Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills Development in Africa (2025–2034). Building on this momentum, UNESCO and UNICEF renewed their pledge to strengthen coordinated action to accelerate education transformation across the continent.

“These commitments set the stage for tangible results,” said Mr. Salifou, speaking on behalf of UNESCO. “This is more than a report—it’s a call to action. The success of this Decade depends on all of us—governments, civil society, the private sector, and international partners. Let’s build Africa’s future on education, drive bold innovation, and collaborate across borders to share what works best.”