ECOWAS, EU Chart Course For Education Reform In Africa
Education remains the cornerstone of development, yet millions of children across Africa still face barriers to equitable, quality learning.
Recognising this urgent challenge, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the European Union and other partners, convened a two-day meeting in Abuja from 8th to 9th September to strengthen cooperation on education reforms.
The gathering, held under the Africa-Europe Partnership to Exchange on Education Reforms (PEERs) programme, focused on advancing policies that are gender-responsive, inclusive, green, and digitally driven, with a particular emphasis on basic education.
Dr Roland Kouakou, Acting Director of Education, Science and Culture at ECOWAS, expressed gratitude to the EU for supporting an initiative that directly strengthens Member States’ capacity.
He highlighted gender, digital transformation, and green education as central to future reforms.
Commissioner Fatou Sow Sarr underlined that human capital development hinges on strong partnerships, urging stakeholders to maintain collaboration in tackling regional education challenges.
Participants also examined regional priorities in higher education, such as academic mobility, vocational training, and the harmonisation of education systems, while exploring ways to embed basic education more firmly into ECOWAS’ agenda.
The meeting concluded with a pledge of commitment to transformative education, with discussions set to feed into the 2025 ADEA Triennial.
