Mastercard Foundation: Why secondary education is essential to Africa’s economic growth

African economies have the potential to see a significant boost of up to $25 million on their GDP through increased investment in secondary education, as highlighted by the United Nations. The importance of secondary education cannot be overstated, with Peter Materu, Chief Programs Officer at the Mastercard Foundation, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in shaping the future of young people and driving economic growth across the continent. Materu pointed out that completing secondary education for every young person could result in a 2.5 times increase in GDP per capita in countries. However, Africa still has a long way to go to achieve this goal, as there are numerous challenges facing the secondary education sector. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the system was already struggling to accommodate the growing number of young people seeking secondary education. Challenges with quality, demand in the workplace, and the disruptive nature of digital technologies were all pressing issues that needed to be addressed. The pandemic further exacerbated the situation, leading to disruptions in school systems and posing a risk of increased dropouts, particularly among girls. This has added to the existing number of out-of-school young people, calling for urgent reforms to rethink the secondary education system and ensure that young people are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the evolving job market. In response to the challenges, Materu emphasized the need for a collaborative effort involving governments, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and other stakeholders to address the growing demand for secondary education. With budgets stretched thin, a multi-sectoral approach is essential to provide the necessary support and resources to revamp the education system. One of the key changes highlighted by Materu is the importance of flexible systems that can adapt to challenges like the pandemic. Digital learning and virtual platforms have become essential tools for delivering education in times of crisis. Additionally, there is a growing need to focus on skills development for young people, particularly in areas like entrepreneurship, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and vocational training to prepare them for diverse career paths. Philanthropic organizations, such as the Mastercard Foundation, play a crucial role in complementing government efforts and supporting initiatives that promote access to quality secondary education. Materu underscored the Foundation's commitment to empowering young people and creating pathways to economic opportunities through education. By investing in secondary education, not only can countries see economic growth, but they can also foster a generation of skilled individuals who can contribute to the overall development and stability of their nations. The call to action is clear: secondary education is not just a stepping stone but a fundamental building block for Africa's future prosperity. By prioritizing investments in education and adopting innovative approaches to address the current challenges, African nations can unlock the untapped potential of their youth and pave the way for sustainable growth and development.