EDUCATION CRISIS June 2025 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

The Importance of Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Breaking the cycle of poverty through education

Sub-Saharan Africa faces the world's most severe education crisis, with 118 million learners out of school and the highest learning poverty rates globally. This crisis perpetuates cycles of poverty, conflict, and inequality, affecting millions of children who deserve the chance to learn, grow, and build better futures for themselves and their communities.

263M Children worldwide are out of school

118M Learners out of school in Sub-Saharan Africa

9/10 Children cannot read simple text at age 10

The Scale of the Crisis

Countries Most Affected

🇳🇬

Nigeria

Children out of school 20M+

Global ranking Highest

🇸🇴

Somalia

2023 flood impact 876K

Education disrupted Severe

🇸🇸

South Sudan

Children not in education 2.8M

Cause Conflict

🇸🇨

Democratic Republic of Congo

Out-of-school children 7.2M

Cause Conflict

🇪🇹

Ethiopia

Out of school children 13M

Main causes Drought, Conflict

Learning Poverty Crisis

The Reading Crisis in Numbers

Learning poverty - the inability to read and understand a simple text by age 10 - affects 9 out of 10 children in Sub-Saharan Africa, the highest rate globally. This crisis has devastating long-term consequences for individuals and entire societies.

90% Children in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot read simple text at age 10

2M+ Children aged 5-17 not in school in Mali

50% Teenagers aged 15-24 are illiterate in Mali

30.4/100 Average primary school test scores (2019)

Gender Disparities in Education

Girls Face Greater Barriers

Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa face disproportionate barriers to education, with cultural practices, economic constraints, and safety concerns preventing millions from accessing their right to learn.

4.2% Higher female out-of-school rate vs males

28% Access to secondary education in Niger

47.3% Female primary attendance in northern Burkina Faso

Niger: Girls are disproportionately affected by traditions such as early marriage, taking up only a small portion of the mere 28% that have access to secondary education.

Burkina Faso: Despite President Ibrahim Traoré abolishing school fees, many families still lack funds for basic supplies, with gender disparity evident as only 47.3% of female students attend primary schools in northern regions.

Children in rural Sub-Saharan Africa often lack access to basic educational resources and qualified teachers

Girls face additional barriers to education, including cultural practices and economic constraints

The Transformative Power of Education

Why Education Matters: The Evidence

Economic Impact

50%

more likely to escape poverty with primary education

10%

salary increase per additional year of schooling

Health Benefits

30M

child deaths under 5 could be avoided

100M

adult deaths could be prevented worldwide

Social Impact

Decreases child marriage rates and reduces violence and political instability in communities

Stories of Hope and Resilience

Ndeye

Age 12

I do not want to miss this chance to learn and to realize my dreams

After successfully completing UNICEF-supported catch-up classes, Ndeye is now fully enrolled in school for the first time. Her determination represents the hopes of millions of children across Sub-Saharan Africa who are fighting for their right to education.

Impact: UNICEF's catch-up programs help children who have missed years of schooling get back on track and pursue their dreams.

Happiness

Born 2005, Tanzania

Born into extreme poverty after her father's death, Happiness lived with her mother who struggled to provide food. Her life changed when she met the Sisters of Mary Schools in late 2018.

One day it will be my future

Joining the school in Kisarawe in May 2019, Happiness was motivated to study hard. She became one of the first girls to graduate in Kisarawe, Tanzania.

Her Dream: Happiness plans to work to help her family, save for university, and study international relations with the ultimate goal of becoming president.

Awa's Journey: A Story of Determination

Awa's determination shines through her studies

From Household Chores to Healthcare Dreams

Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso Evening Classes: 6:30 PM

The Move

Awa traveled 30 kilometers to live with her uncle and aunt in the city

Daily Responsibilities

Long days filled with shopping, cooking, and cleaning in exchange for lodging

Evening Education

After completing chores, attending literacy classes starting at 6:30 PM

Healthcare Dreams

Determined to use education as a stepping stone to a profession in health

I don't know what the future has in store for me but this is my second chance and I don't want to waste it.

- Awa

Awa's story reflects the resilience of many young people in Sub-Saharan Africa who seize educational opportunities despite challenging circumstances.