This continental report produced by ADEA for the African Union (AU), evaluates the implementation of the Second Decade of Education for Africa’s Plan of Action, to inform the 2014 Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF) The report aligns the achievements and existing gaps under the plan’s eight priority areas of gender and culture, EMIS, teacher development, higher education, TVET, curriculum and teaching materials, quality management, and ECD. 

Although Africa has made progress in gender equality in education, with policies enhancing female participation, challenges persist in achieving gender parity and reducing female illiteracy. 

Despite addressing the educational needs of disadvantaged groups, particularly girls, women, youth, and those affected by conflict, high dropout rates and curtailed access persist.

As teacher development shows progress in increasing teacher numbers and qualifications, disparities and shortages remain. 

While higher education has seen growth, it remains underfunded and requires more robust quality assurance mechanisms. 

TVET reforms continue, but implementation gaps and gender disparities hinder their effectiveness.

The report concludes by acknowledging alignment of countries and regions to the AU education agenda but notes the challenges the continent faces in curriculum development, teaching materials, quality management, and Early Childhood Development (ECD that faces neglect.