African Leaders Unite to Shape the Future at 12th Annual Conference on Education and Climate

By Musa Makina

The 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments has kicked off at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, drawing legislative leaders from across the continent to address urgent educational reforms and climate challenges.

With a focus on the African Union’s 2024 theme, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa,” Dr. Makgabo Reginah Mhaule, Deputy Minister of Basic Education in South Africa, praised the strides made towards universal education. However, she stressed the critical need for Africa to embrace the digital revolution by integrating digital literacy and artificial intelligence into educational frameworks.

In discussions on climate change, Hon. Advocate Jacob F.N. Mudenda, Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in disaster risk reduction and climate action. He urged African nations to draw lessons from Dubai’s successful energy strategies, advocating for investments in research and technology to drive green transitions.

Delegates also examined the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) as a key vehicle for achieving Agenda 2063 goals. Lt. General (Rtd) M.R. Nyambuya, Deputy President of the Senate, criticized Africa’s dependence on foreign media and payment systems, asserting that the AfCFTA offers a historic opportunity for the continent to shape its own trade narrative through pan-African payment systems.

This three-day conference serves as a crucial platform for leaders to engage in robust discussions on pressing issues such as climate change, peace and security, intra-Africa trade, and sustainable energy development. The collective voice and decisive actions of Africa’s leaders are essential for overcoming these challenges and fostering a brighter, more sustainable future for the continent