Deputy Finance Minister calls for shift from donor aid to co-investment in Africa’s education sector
Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem has urged development partners and investors to move from traditional donor support to a model of co-investment in Africa’s education sector.
He believes this approach will promote sustainability, shared responsibility, and stronger ownership of the continent’s development goals.
He made the call at the 2025 Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Triennale in Accra, where education leaders and policymakers from across the continent are discussing ways to build stronger and more resilient education systems.
The Deputy Minister stressed that achieving equitable and inclusive education requires targeted investments that reach marginalized groups, including girls and children in remote or underserved areas.
He highlighted the need to explore innovative financing mechanisms such as resource-based financing and education bonds to expand learning opportunities for all.
According to him, the growing use of digital technology offers a unique opportunity to improve how education is financed across Africa.
He explained that digital payment systems and data-driven tools can enhance transparency, strengthen accountability, and ensure that every contribution is used effectively.
He called on African governments, development partners, and the private sector to align resources, expertise, and innovation with Africa’s own priorities particularly in areas such as STEM education, digital infrastructure, and technical and vocational training.
“In reimagining education financing in Africa, we are doing more than fulfilling a right. We are building the economic engine for the continent we desire,” he stated, adding that it is time for Africa to invest in its own potential and secure a prosperous and inclusive future for every child.
By: Jacob Aggrey
