The African Union's fifth Specialized Technical Committee Meeting on Education, Science and Technology (STC-EST5), which concluded virtually on November 8, has set new directions for the continent's educational future. The five-day meeting, culminating in a two-day ministerial session (November 7-8), brought together representatives from 48 Member States to advance education, science, and technology in Africa.

Building on the preparatory work of senior officials and experts who met from November 4-5, the ministerial session adopted three significant continental strategies: the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 25-34), the Continental Technical and Vocational Education and Training Strategy (CTVET 25-34), and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034). In a significant decision that reinforces their commitment to educational advancement, the committee declared 2025-2034 as the Decade of Accelerated Education and Skills Development in Africa.

The session marked a transition in leadership with the election of a new bureau. The Republic of Malawi assumed the chairpersonship of the STC-EST for the 2025-2027 term, supported by the Saharawi Arab Republic, United Republic of Tanzania, and Democratic Republic of Congo in various bureau positions. This new leadership will guide the implementation of the newly adopted strategies.

Recognizing the vital role of innovation in Africa's development, ministers endorsed initiatives to strengthen the continent's startup ecosystem. The committee welcomed the establishment of the Permanent Secretariat of the African Startup Conference and the designation of 46 national startup focal points from 31 Member States, demonstrating a continental commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

The meeting assessed progress made under the African Union Theme of the Year 2024, "Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century." Achievements spanned ten strategic objectives, including teaching profession reform, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education enhancement, and digital transformation in education, laying a foundation for the newly adopted strategies.

Looking ahead, the ministers emphasized practical implementation at national levels and the strengthening of partnerships for educational development. The Republic of Malawi will host the sixth ordinary session of the STC-EST, continuing the momentum for educational transformation across the continent.

The adopted strategies align with the African Union's Agenda 2063, focusing on building resilient education systems, enhancing technical skills development, and fostering innovation for sustainable development and economic transformation.

For further information, please contact:

1. Ms Claudette Chancelle BILAMPASSI MOUTSATSI | ESTI Department- Pan African University | African Union Commission | E-mail: BilampassiC@africa-union.org | Tel: +251 11 518 2014/ +251 11 5182518 |
2. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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