Ansell: Africa has real desire to solve its education challenges

The Global Director for Education at the British Council, Maddalaine Ansell, believes that education challenges are a global concern, with a particular emphasis on preparing young people for a continuously changing world. In a conversation with CNBC Africa at the British Council Going Global Africa, Ansell highlighted the distinct challenges faced by Africa in education but also expressed optimism about the continent's commitment to finding solutions. Africa's youthful population is poised to be a driving force in the world by 2050, presenting both opportunities and challenges. While some African countries lack adequate education infrastructure, there is a genuine desire to address these issues internally and proactively. Ansell acknowledged the importance of preparing African youth not just academically but also equipping them with industry-relevant skills. She emphasized the need for solutions that are generated by Africans for Africa. One key initiative discussed was transnational education, where universities from one country offer education in another. This approach is particularly vital for countries with limited higher education capacity to meet the demands of their youth. Ansell highlighted the British Council's collaboration with the National Universities Commission in Nigeria to establish guidelines for foreign universities offering education in the country. This initiative aims to address the urgent need for expanded higher education opportunities. Funding and access to education are perennial issues globally, and Africa is no exception. Ansell stressed the importance of political will in prioritizing education spending, especially in countries with young populations. She also championed innovative funding models such as skills levies, where employers contribute to educating their workforce. Additionally, Ansell underscored the significance of research collaboration, both locally and internationally, to enhance Africa's higher-level knowledge and skills base. Looking ahead to the next Going Global conference in the UK, Ansell expressed her hope for dedicated discussions on Africa to build on the progress made at Going Global Africa 2024. She suggested that other countries could learn from Africa's approaches to tackling education challenges and envisioned opportunities for African nations to share insights and strategies in London. The journey to address Africa's education challenges is ongoing, but with collaborative efforts and innovative partnerships, there is promise for transformative change.