COVID-19 Impact on Education in African Countries - Report Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new reality that necessitates a rethink of how quality education can be effectively delivered in an inclusive and equitable manner, and the role of technology as one of the key enablers. Inequality and exclusion are some of the perennial ghosts haunting most African countries. The pandemic has shown how the current education setup has further deepened inequalities and how the prevailing socioeconomic status is a target that is constantly in motion. Governments can, however, turn this ‘unusual situation’ into an opportunity through out-of-the-box ideas and strategies, least of which is the deployment of a multi-pronged approach in ‘leaving no learner behind’. On its part, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) has been engaging African countries since March 2020 on their strategies and level of effectiveness in ensuring that learning continues in a manner that is as inclusive as possible, and their thoughts regarding the reopening of learning institutions and the future of this key social sector. This engagement has highlighted some key working initiatives as well as issues pertinent to the education sector now and in the future’s “new normal”.