Higher education in Africa

By Dr. James E. Sulton Jr.

JA International Correspondent

Higher education in Africa is at an important inflection point, shaped by the continent’s dynamic youth population and urgent economic challenges. With more than 400 million young people aged between 15 and 35, Africa has the youngest population in the world, offering a special opportunity to harness transcontinental economic growth, development, and innovation. 

At the same time, higher education is one of the most dynamic – and uneven – socioeconomic sectors on the African continent. It reflects Africa’s colonial legacies, post-independence nation-building efforts, economic pressures, and a rapidly expanding youth population. 

Many of Africa’s oldest universities were established during colonial rule, including University of Cape Town (South Africa, 1829), University of Ibadan (Nigeria, 1948), and Makerere University (Uganda, 1922). Institutions such as these were initially designed to train civil servants and professionals to serve colonial administrations. 

After independence (1950s–1970s), higher education institutions in Africa became symbols of national sovereignty and pride. Although Africa produces a small share of global research output, this is improving in countries such as South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya.

Today, Africa has the fastest-growing higher education sector in the world due to its rapid population growth and increasing demand among students for postsecondary learning. African students seek to acquire more professional degrees and pursue advanced academic degree programs and courses. Today, some higher educational opportunities are also being offered via technology from universities around the world. Students in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have spurred major enrollment increases in colleges and universities.

Yet, significant barriers persist, including low enrollment rates in postsecondary education, inadequate alignment between academic programs and labor market demands, and the underrepresentation of women in academia and leadership roles across African higher education institutions. This is particularly the case in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

There are some other major challenges facing higher education in Africa. These include underfunding, faculty strikes, overcrowded classrooms, and volatile politics including civil and regional wars. Consequently, many African students and scholars want to migrate to Europe, North America, or the Gulf states for better learning opportunities. 

The African Union is addressing these challenges. In its 68-page report issued in March 2025, entitled Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2026-2035: A Framework for Action, the African Union states:

“This comprehensive strategy marks a pivotal advancement in promoting quality education across the continent, addressing the diverse needs of our populations … The strategy embodies a shared responsibility to transform Africa’s education systems into vehicles for equity, innovation, and sustainable development. This achievement is a result of collective efforts, dialogue, and a shared vision. … CESA 26-35 not only aims to accelerate progress in educational outcomes but also to empower African youth, promoting skills and knowledge necessary for the challenges of the future.”

Certainly, this strategy is ambitious. However, the African Union declares that “Education remains a top priority for Africa” and consistent with its Agenda 2063 which “envisions a ‘peaceful and prosperous Africa, integrated, led by its own citizens and occupying the place it deserves in the global community and in the knowledge economy.’”