Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future:H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia, emphasized the importance in shaping Africa’s future. ‘Knowledge is a garden, if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested’. She noted, highlighted the deep connection between Africa’s future and multiple knowledge ecosystems, and underscored the need to rebalance research partnerships for the continent’s progress.

 The Forum which took place under the theme: ‘Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future’, brought together policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and international partners aimed to strengthen interdisciplinary research and collaboration across Africa while fostering mutually beneficial South-South and South-South-North partnerships.

H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia, emphasized the importance in shaping Africa’s future. ‘Knowledge is a garden, if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested’. She noted, highlighted the deep connection between Africa’s future and multiple knowledge ecosystems, and underscored the need to rebalance research partnerships for the continent’s progress.

H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, on her part, spoke of the critical role of education in transformation. ‘It is imperative therefore that we enhance our investments in accessible, safe, inclusive and equitable quality education for all, and allow for the intergenerational acquisition and transfer of knowledge and skills to advance the prospects of future generations’, underscored the Deputy Chairperson

In his remarks H.E. Prof Mohamed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), emphasized the critical importance of education as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for societal development. According to the Commissioner, education must be free and accessible, particularly at the primary level. He underscored the need for resilient education systems capable of withstanding crises such as natural disasters and conflicts. He also pointed out that educating youth goes beyond economic outcomes, aiming to foster responsible citizens equipped with critical thinking, life skills, and an understanding of their historical and future roles in society​

In her remarks, Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, stated that ‘we now face an existential choice between continuing on an unsustainable path and radically changing course. “To do this, we must change the way we define, produce and use knowledge systems, if we are to shape alternative futures for Africa and for humanity’. She added that, ‘It is essential to ask how visions of Africa’s future are informed and created, by whom, and what the place of knowledge systems is, including higher education, in these visions. We can reimagine our futures together – futures that are co-created through inclusive and principled dialogue’. Also in attendance at the Forum were regional and international research networks and experts to envisage future scenarios for Africa, examine their implications for knowledge production, and to develop and strengthen collaborative research partnerships. The over 550 participants were drawn from at least 90 countries across the world.  The transformation of knowledge, research, science, and innovation systems, gender equality, health, artificial intelligence, digital and ecological transitions, open science, and the right to education, among other topics, were also discussed during the forum. It contributed to UNESCO’s flagship programmes on Africa as well as key strategies of the African Union in crucial areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), education, Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET), and science.

Participants left with renewed commitment to develop collaborative research and actions to transform knowledge for the futures of Africa and humanity.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org | Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)

Ms. Hiba Mohamed | Advocacy Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission | E-mail: hibae@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Mr. Maqhawe Freedom Thwala | Digital Communications Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation | African Union Commission | E-mail: ThwalaM@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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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