This report presents youth-led insights into how secondary education can better prepare young people for the future of work across Sub-Saharan Africa. Based on consultations with more than 600 young people in five countries, the document highlights a widening gap between education systems and labor market realities, as millions of youth enter the workforce each year with limited employment opportunities. Given that over 90% of African youth do not reach university, secondary education is identified as the critical platform for skills development, employability, and entrepreneurship.

The report organizes youth perspectives around five core themes: equitable access, relevance and quality of curricula, teaching methods, safe learning environments, and extracurricular learning. Youth call for inclusive education systems that address poverty, gender inequality, disability, and displacement. They emphasize curriculum reform to strengthen STEM, digital, life, and entrepreneurial skills, alongside decolonized and locally relevant content. The document also underscores the central role of teachers, advocating for improved training, professional standards, and working conditions. Additionally, it highlights the negative impact of bullying and unsafe schools on learning outcomes, and the value of extracurricular activities in developing soft skills and career aspirations.

Overall, the document positions youth voices as essential to policy reform and urges governments and partners to translate commitments into concrete action for inclusive, high-quality secondary education.