Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context and Issue
The primary aim of 'Campus Africa' is to promote the development of integrated, inclusive, and high-quality tertiary education systems and establishments in Africa, contributing to the advancement of equitable societies across the region. Recognizing that Africa's youth population is projected to reach 1.1 billion by 2050, accounting for a significant portion of the global population, the demand for higher education in Africa is expected to rise steadily. 'Campus Africa' acknowledges that sustainable socioeconomic progress in Africa hinges on robust infrastructure for knowledge generation through research. Consequently, it advocates for initiatives to enhance research capacity within educational institutions by establishing well-equipped universities conducive to research activities. One key initiative includes promoting the establishment of "intensive" research hubs within universities, facilitating the exchange of data, information, and expertise across various fields among universities, thereby fostering regional collaboration.
Solution
Campus Africa' aims to advance all Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on SDGs 4, 8, and 9. It seeks to align with United Nations agencies and development partners to support universal access to affordable, high-quality education, including technical and tertiary education. Through establishing strong networks among academic institutions, workplaces, and development partners, 'Campus Africa' intends to introduce comprehensive educational, research, and training programs while expanding educational institutions and fostering innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs). Ultimately, it strives to significantly increase African university enrollment to levels comparable to the global average.