Transforming Education in Africa: Evidence-Based Policy Directions for Equitable and Resilient Systems in the Digital Age

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Transforming Education in Africa: Evidence-Based Policy Directions for Equitable and Resilient Systems in the Digital Age

Proposal

Abstract:
This poster presents key findings from a comprehensive synthesis of education research conducted by UNICEF Innocenti in partnership with Ministries of Education across 33 African countries. Altogether, the research relied on government-owned data from over 167,000 schools, with additional primary research and programme data involving over 16,000 students, 5,700 parents or caregivers, and 7,700 teachers and head teachers across over 900 schools as well over 2,000 government officials and community representatives across the continent. The research aimed to identify evidence-based policy directions to support Ministries of Education in achieving transformative education outcomes in Africa, preparing children and adolescents for a rapidly evolving world in the digital age.
A key finding of the synthesis is that equity, quality, and resilience are mutually reinforcing goals. The poster will showcase specific challenges and effective mitigation measures related to gender, disability, and rural-urban disparities in education access and quality. The research highlighted three areas of latent potential for African education systems: early childhood education, flexible learning approaches, and educational technology. These areas remain under-invested in many African countries but offer significant potential for improving educational outcomes.
The synthesis revealed five key policy directions for transforming education systems:
1. Prioritize equity: Equity-focused policies are crucial for improving learning outcomes and system resilience. Key strategies include enabling mother tongue instruction, providing gender-responsive school environments, addressing rural school disadvantages, and expanding inclusive systems for children with disabilities.
2. Maximize instruction: Effective instructional time and pedagogical quality are critical. This involves setting clear expectations for minimum instruction hours, managing absences, reducing double-shift systems, providing quality teacher training, strengthening accountability, leadership and supervision, and ensuring access to teaching and learning materials.
3. Leverage local solutions: Existing local innovations and technologies should be utilized to create fit-for-purpose solutions. This includes using widely available technologies, including low-tech approaches, and scaling up high-quality, community-led interventions.
4. Tailor implementation: Clear, equity-focused implementation plans are needed, considering the roles of all education stakeholders and tailoring resourcing to diverse local contexts.
5. Embed data and research: Data and embedded research should be used for continuous improvement, harmonizing and utilizing data in policy planning and implementation.
This research provides a holistic framework for transforming education in Africa, combining rigorous evidence, local innovation, and a commitment to equity. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working to improve education systems across the continent. The poster will visually represent key findings, including infographics on learning outcome disparities, the relationship between climate risk and education outcomes, and the impact of various policy interventions. Further it will outline policy actions and next steps for policy relevant research undertaken by UNICEF Innocenti for the African continent.

Authors

• Linda Jones, UNICEF

• Thomas Dreesen, UNICEF

• Anindita Nugroho, Unicef - Office of Research, Innocenti