Nelson Mandela once said that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. African countries have experienced growth in academic quality as increasingly more nations grow literate.
In line with this, the cornerstone of progress and development that shapes the future of a country and its citizens is education. Nearly all African countries are still developing, but there is a difference in educational strides made by various nations.
While the concept of what true educational quality remains an evolving topic, important factors that are considered include developing digital literacy, interpersonal skills and the ability to think critically and creatively.
In this article, we take a look at the top 10 African countries serving as a benchmark for other nations by leading with exceptional education systems. These are rankings based on reports made by Bscholarly and ExamLabs.
1. Seychelles
Seychelles, an island country in the Indian Ocean with a population of 98,347, is the first and only African nation to fully achieve UNESCO’s ‘Education for all’ goal. Education is compulsory and free for students up to age 16 at the secondary level mak
Seychelles boasts Africa’s top education system, ranked 43rd in the world. It’s ahead of countries like Ukraine, Hungary, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. With a score of 69.3%, it holds the top spot for education in Africa.
2. Tunisia
The Tunisian education system ranks 71st globally with a 61.4% excellence rate. Tunisia invests 20% of its national budget in education.
It’s 51st worldwide for primary education, 49th for literacy with an 81% rate, and 3rd in the quality of Mathematics and Science Education according to the World Economic Forum.
3. Mauritius
Mauritius, with about 1,265,000 people, is ranked 3rd in Africa and 74th worldwide for its educational system, scoring 61 points. Schooling is mandatory up to age 16.
The country excels in vocational training, coming in 47th globally, and its students are among the top performers in Cambridge International Examinations.
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4. South Africa
South Africa invests 18% of its budget in education, making its universities and schools competitive globally. The literacy rate is 94%. It’s ranked 4th in Africa for education with 58.4 points and 84th in the world.
5. Algeria
In Algeria, education is free and mandatory for kids aged six to fifteen, and it continues through secondary school. The country has the second-best education system in North Africa and is 5th in Africa with 57.4 points. Algeria also has a 75% literacy rate.
6. Botswana
Botswana ranks 6th in Africa with 56.7 points and is 92nd in the global education system. With a population of 2.3 million, the country has a literacy rate of 88%.
7. Kenya
Kenya has made huge strides in various sectors, including education. It ranks 95th worldwide in education and has a 78.7% literacy rate. Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 17.
Kenya is also 43rd in digital skills and 21st in finding skilled workers, with a score of 55.4 points for education.
8. Cape Verde
Cape Verde, an island in the Atlantic, gives free education up to age 12 and requires school for kids aged 6 to 14. With an 80% literacy rate, it’s 8th in Africa with 533 points.
The country is also 71st in finding skilled workers and 53rd in teaching and critical thinking worldwide.
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9. Egypt
Egypt sits at 9th in Africa and 99th globally for education, boasting a 71% literacy rate and a score of 52.8 points. It ranks 70th worldwide for digital skills.
The government offers free, compulsory education for children aged 6 to 15 and plans to make secondary education compulsory soon.
10. Namibia
Namibia is 10th in Africa with a 52.7% score. It ranks 82nd for teaching and 43rd for staff training worldwide. It’s 100th in global education, showing its efforts in the sector.
The government provides education for kids aged 6 to 16 and plans to keep improving its schools and facilities.