With 70% of the entire population under 30, youth are one of Africa’s greatest reasons for optimism, and access to higher education for this youth should be a major driver for economic development, social cohesion and lasting peace.

Yet, tapping into this potential continues to face several challenges. Ways of tackling these challenges was at the heart of a UNESCO Chairs Seminar on 21 September 2023 under the theme Reinforcing Higher Education in Africa.

About the UNESCO Chair Seminar Series

This is the second in the series of UNESCO Chairs Seminars on Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future. This Series provides transdisciplinary spaces at the intersection of research and policy for UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks, and other specialists, to engage intellectually with the themes of the 5 Flagship Programmes of UNESCO’s Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022-2029).

With 70% of the entire population under 30, youth are one of Africa’s greatest reasons for optimism, and access to higher education for this youth should be a major driver for economic development, social cohesion and lasting peace.

Yet, tapping into this potential continues to face several challenges. Ways of tackling these challenges was at the heart of a UNESCO Chairs Seminar on 21 September 2023 under the theme Reinforcing Higher Education in Africa.

Higher education must be grounded on the concept of working together rather than individual pursuit, which goes against principles of Ubuntu.

Prof. Mpine Makoe

Executive Dean, College of Education, UNISA, South Africa

About the UNESCO Chair Seminar Series

This is the second in the series of UNESCO Chairs Seminars on Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future. This Series provides transdisciplinary spaces at the intersection of research and policy for UNESCO Chairs, UNITWIN Networks, and other specialists, to engage intellectually with the themes of the 5 Flagship Programmes of UNESCO’s Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022-2029).