African Education Summit Recognizes Top Influencers, Highlights Funding Challenges
Accra, Ghana – A distinguished gathering of African education leaders convened in Accra for the 4th Africa Education Summit, an event that not only celebrated impactful contributions to the continent’s educational landscape but also underscored persistent challenges hindering progress. Among the honorees was Mr. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, Member of Parliament for Akatsi North and Chairman of Parliament’s Education Committee, who was recognized as one of Africa’s 100 Most Impactful Education Personalities.
The prestigious award ceremony, held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, marked the culmination of the three-day summit. This inaugural awards scheme, a brainchild of Global Skills Hub in collaboration with various African education stakeholders, aims to shine a spotlight on individuals demonstrating exceptional excellence, pioneering innovation, and strong leadership within the education sector. Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe received a Certificate of Achievement, acknowledging his significant impact and tireless advocacy for educational advancement across Africa.
Reflecting on the summit, Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe expressed his optimism about the evolving nature of these gatherings. Having previously attended the second edition in Nottingham, UK, he noted a substantial improvement in the scope and impact of the Accra summit. He highlighted Ghana’s commendable strides in broadening access to education, particularly at the tertiary level. However, he was quick to point out that funding remains a critical bottleneck, especially for higher education, despite the government’s substantial investments in initiatives like the Free Senior High School program.
“What is paramount is the funding,” Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe stated, emphasizing the significant funding gap that continues to affect tertiary education. “Many individuals are unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints.” He advocated for a strategic rebalancing of investments, urging a greater focus on strengthening teacher education and enhancing overall learning outcomes.
A Call for Foundational Strength and Digital Transformation
The summit’s discussions and Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe’s remarks underscored a dual focus: reinforcing the fundamental aspects of education and embracing technological advancements. He issued a strong plea to African governments to prioritize the development of basic education infrastructure and the integration of technology. According to him, a robust foundation is indispensable for any meaningful educational progress.
“I urge African leaders to invest more in basic education because if you don’t get the fundamentals right, forget about it,” he asserted. He painted a stark picture of the current reality in some areas, noting that “We still have schools operating under trees and in dilapidated structures.” This highlights the urgent need for improved learning environments.
Furthermore, Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe stressed the imperative of incorporating technology into educational systems at all levels. He warned against remaining solely reliant on traditional methods, stating, “Technology should be introduced into educational systems at all levels because if we remain on chalk and blackboard alone, we will not get anywhere.”
Summit’s Focus on EdTech and Collaborative Futures
The 4th Africa Education Summit, which ran from March 19th to 21st, 2026, was convened under the pertinent theme: “Advancing EdTech Integration in African Education: A Unified Roadmap for Action.” This theme brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, researchers, and technology innovators. The primary objective was to foster collaboration and drive digital transformation within the education sector across the continent. The summit served as a crucial platform for sharing best practices, identifying emerging trends, and charting a collective path forward for leveraging educational technology. The closing awards ceremony provided a fitting finale, recognizing the individuals and institutions contributing significantly to this transformative journey. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to building a more accessible, equitable, and effective education system for all Africans.
