Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter
Malawi’s Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Bright Msaka, has called on African countries to move beyond developing education policies and prioritise their effective implementation, saying this is critical to accelerating skills development, economic transformation and sustainable growth across the continent.
Msaka said Africa’s development ambitions could only be achieved if governments translated policy commitments into practical actions that respond to the continent’s evolving economic and social needs.
He made the remarks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is participating in the African Union’s education ministerial meeting, which has brought together representatives from 34 AU member states to assess progress and strengthen cooperation in education, science, technology and innovation.
The minister stressed that Africa must place greater emphasis on implementation, arguing that well-designed policies alone cannot deliver meaningful change without adequate investment, effective coordination and strong institutional commitment.
Msaka identified inadequate funding, skills mismatches, climate change and global instability as some of the major challenges slowing progress in Africa’s education and development agenda.
He called for increased investment in young people through quality education, technical and vocational training, scientific research and innovation, noting that these areas are essential in preparing the next generation to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges.
The minister further underscored the importance of aligning education systems with labour market demands to ensure that graduates acquire practical skills that contribute directly to productivity, employment creation and national development.
His message places skills development and innovation at the centre of Africa’s broader economic transformation agenda, particularly as countries seek to strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
The Addis Ababa meeting provides an important platform for African governments to review progress, exchange experiences and identify practical strategies for addressing persistent gaps in education and technological advancement.
For Malawi and other African nations, the discussions highlight the importance of transforming education commitments into measurable outcomes that improve learning standards, expand access to technical skills and equip young people to participate meaningfully in economic development.
Msaka’s call reinforces the need for African governments to treat education not merely as a social service but as a strategic investment in human capital, innovation and long-term economic prosperity.
