EAC countries renew commitment to education reforms and youth skills

The eight member states of the East African Community (EAC) have renewed their commitment to accelerating education reforms aimed at improving youth literacy, expanding vocational skills and strengthening the region's competitiveness.

The commitment was made Wednesday during the second EAC Regional Education Conference in Nairobi, which brought together nearly 600 delegates, including education ministers, academics, development partners and civil society representatives.

The five-day conference, convened by the Kenyan government, the EAC and development partners, is being held under the theme, "Transforming Education in East Africa: From commitments to impact, fostering resilience and future-ready systems for sustainable development." Kenyan President William Ruto said the future prosperity of the EAC, home to about 300 million people, depends on greater investment in lifelong learning and market-ready skills.

He called on member states to increase investment in education technology, teacher training and competency-based curricula to improve learning outcomes and prepare young people for changing labour markets.

EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Ariik Malueth said the bloc was encouraging member states to align their education policies and regulatory frameworks to strengthen foundational learning, expand vocational training and facilitate cross-border skills mobility.

He said education systems must equip young people with analytical thinking, digital literacy, adaptability, creativity and practical problem-solving skills.

Officials said stronger education systems would help address the region's skills gap and youth unemployment while supporting sustainable economic growth and regional competitiveness.