This 2023 report is the result of the study that ADEA’s Inter-Country Quality Node on Mathematics and Science Education conducted across nine African countries. The study evaluated student enrollment and performance in primary and secondary education, identified barriers to quality STEM education, assessed interventions, and offered recommendations for improvement.

Among the key findings, STEM enrollment has grown due to demographic growth and supportive policies, but low secondary education access, especially for girls, and poor performance persists due to inadequate resources and teacher training as well as outdated curricula. Few countries have comprehensive STEM education policies and existing strategies focus on resource provision, ICT integration, and teacher professional development but remain insufficient to address the quality gaps.

Key recommendations include creating national STEM policies, reviewing curricula to meet labor market demands, mapping ongoing interventions, prioritizing resource mobilization for laboratories, equipment, and ICT infrastructure, and staffing qualified teachers. Furthermore, it calls for establishing mentorship programs to inspire STEM careers, and to implement robust monitoring frameworks with key performance indicators to track progress and guide targeted interventions.

The report underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, innovative pedagogies, and investment in STEM education to create a skilled workforce capable of driving Africa’s socio-economic development.