The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) joins the African Union (AU), member states, and the global community in commemorating the 2025 Day of the African Child (DAC). Instituted by the AU in 1991, this day honors the memory of the 176 individuals who lost their lives during the Soweto Uprising of 1976, where students protested against an unjust education system. It is a day of profound historical significance and a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for every African child’s right to quality education and training.

This year’s theme, “Tracking Impact, Inspiring Action,” resonates deeply with ADEA’s mission. It aligns with our strategic commitment to securing a brighter future for the African child by supporting policy options that bridge foundational learning gaps, enhance the relevance and mobility of skills, promote equity and inclusion, and strengthen data-driven decision-making across African education systems.

Today, ADEA honors the resilience, courage, and potential of the African child. Yet, across the continent, millions still face barriers to learning – ranging from poor infrastructure and a shortage of qualified teachers to persistent social inequalities, poverty, climate change, and conflict. These challenges continue to hinder children’s ability to acquire life-saving knowledge, thrive academically, and realize their full potential. Without the right skills, the future will remain uncertain for many of Africa’s children.
Africa is home to over 40% of the world’s youth, with more than 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population under the age of 30. The urgency to invest in quality, relevant education is both a moral responsibility and an economic necessity. Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, with four out of every ten unemployed persons being young. ADEA is committed to helping countries close this gap.

Through our various initiatives, we are supporting member states to aggressively counter these trends. 

• Our push for a common learning assessment mechanism helps countries track foundational learning outcomes and address learning poverty with actionable data. This is in alignment with ministerial commitment to end learning poverty by 2035.
• Our work through the Africa Centre for School Leadership and the Leaders in Teaching initiative is building the capacity of teachers across Africa – especially at the primary and post-primary levels – empowering them to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
• Our Tackling Education and Skills Data Challenge project is equipping countries with the tools and infrastructure needed to make evidence-based decisions in education and training. The project, which initially targets 30 countries, strengthens data systems and builds capacity for strategic analysis and use.
• The Africa Policymaker Forum fosters peer learning, ensuring policymakers across the continent have access to insights and innovations to drive impactful, scalable reforms.
• Through webinars and technical learning sessions, we are mobilizing knowledge and expanding the pipeline of innovative policy options for foundational learning and skills development.

As we prepare for the 2025 ADEA Triennale on Education and Training, we aim to bring together countries to showcase innovative and promising practices, evaluate impactful initiatives, and co-create a roadmap for systemic transformation across African education systems.

On this Day of the African Child, ADEA calls on governments, educators, parents, development partners, and youth themselves to recommit to the promise of education. Let this day serve as a solemn reminder of our shared responsibility – to ensure every African child is equipped not only to learn, but to thrive, lead, and shape the continent’s future.

We salute the African child – brave, brilliant, and bold. Together, we pledge to keep working toward a continent where no child is left behind, and every child is empowered to learn.