Tanzania’s Mkenda on unlocking Africa’s human capital to drive growth

African leaders and experts have emphasized the critical need to invest in human capital development to drive economic liberation in the continent. Adolf Austin Mkenda, Tanzania's Minister of Education, shared insights on the country's efforts to bridge the gap and prioritize funding for education, health, and nutrition. Minister Mkenda highlighted the shift in perception regarding human capital, stressing that investing in people not only improves social services but also drives economic growth by enhancing production capacity. This strategic approach positions education, health, and nutrition as essential components that contribute to economic advancement. Acknowledging past misconceptions during the structural adjustment programs in the 1980s, which viewed education as a luxury and advocated for cutting spending in favor of other sectors, Minister Mkenda emphasized the urgency of investing in human capital now to harness Africa's demographic dividend. With a growing young population, failure to prioritize funding in education could pose challenges in the future. However, by mobilizing resources and focusing on education as a priority, countries can leverage their demographic advantage to drive growth and address skills shortages. The Minister also acknowledged the fiscal constraints and competing demands faced by African governments, calling for a concerted effort to prioritize long-term investments in human capital despite the pressure to allocate resources to more visible infrastructure projects. He emphasized the importance of creating awareness and staying focused on investing in education and health to ensure sustainable development. In terms of partnerships, Minister Mkenda highlighted the value of countries learning from each other's experiences to enhance education systems. By exchanging best practices and collaborating on initiatives such as teacher exchanges, countries can work together to address the urgent needs in education and drive progress in human capital development. Overall, the Minister's insights underscore the importance of investing in human capital as a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.