Over the next decade, STEM job openings requiring STEM literacy are expected to increase by the thousands. STEM education is a critical key to Africa’s future, and governments and organizations are doing what they can.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 is a long-term framework intended to transform the African continent over 50 years. The agenda aspires that, by 2063, Africa shall be a continent where “well educated and skilled citizens, underpinned by science, technology, and innovation for a knowledgeable society is the norm and no child misses school due to poverty…”
In order to ensure the bright STEM future for Africa envisioned by the African Union’s Agenda 2063, governments and organizations must step up and take action. However, improving the state of STEM in Africa is a highly complex and challenging task requiring collaboration and effort across many sectors. STEM programs and initiatives supporting STEM skills still have a long way to go.
Governments in Africa need to fully embrace STEM as a key point of focus and invest in educational resources. By producing highly qualified graduates, Africa can use its growing population of young people to improve economic development and leadership in its countries
Additionally, governments must incentivize highly qualified professionals to stay and thrive in their home countries. The Revised Migration Policy Framework for Africa Plan of Action for 2018-2027 suggests African countries increase opportunities for local employment and professional development. It suggests encouraging nationals to contribute to their country of origin “through financial and human capital transfers, such as short and long term return migration [and] the transfer of skills, knowledge, and technology, [plus] maximize the contribution of skilled professionals to the continent by facilitating regional and continental mobility.”
STEM-related organizations and education in Africa and African schools should have African leadership, not just international leadership, and empower Africans to become involved in order to ensure that projects are sustainable for African nations long-term.
Finally, societal attitudes towards education in Africa and beyond must be revitalized. David Dodge, CEO of Codakid, says that “quality coding and STEM skill options are not available in many towns, cities, and even countries. This means that STEM jobs aren’t being filled as well. Many parents and educators see the need, and want to do something about it.” Indeed, local businesses, communities, and families must work together to take charge of their youths’ education. Since many of Africa’s students are the first generation in their families to become formally educated, parents and communities may be unfamiliar with STEM skills and subjects and uninvolved in education. Therefore, it’s important for families to motivate students to value learning, and for communities to create and encourage involvement in STEM programs such as coding for kids to expand education beyond schools.
