This KIX Observatory briefing note on responses to COVID-19 highlights the pandemic's impact on education systems in Africa. In response to school closures affecting an estimated 1.6 billion learners worldwide, a consortium comprising the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), the African Union's International Centre for Girls' and Women's Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA), the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) collaborated to help African member states ensure quality and equity in education.

The document examines two main areas: teachers and teaching, and learner well-being. It highlights the challenges faced, including teachers' lack of preparedness for crises, poor qualifications, and limited opportunities for further training. Additionally, the pandemic has exacerbated inequalities and vulnerabilities among learners, particularly girls, increasing the risk of school dropouts, early marriages, and exploitation.

The note encourages the sharing of evidence and emerging research to improve educational responses and proposes targeted recommendations.