A new report launched at the recent World Economic Forum on Africa has encouraged governments to further involve the private sector in the design and provision of education across the continent. The Business of Education in Africa highlights the strong contribution the private sector can make towards helping governments deliver quality nurseries and schools for every child. Bridge International Academies is used as a case study of innovation for improving access to quality education.

The report, promoted by Liberian President Sirleaf, particularly emphasises the need for partnerships to overcome the major shortage of quality schools and nurseries.

The foreword, by Liberian President Sirleaf, says, ‘It is not a question of either a role for the public sector or the private sector, but how governments across Africa can use a variety of means to deliver the best education outcomes for our children and our people. I welcome this report and its detailed, practical, and actionable recommendations.’

A Bridge spokesperson said, “We are delighted to welcome this thorough look at the way governments and private bodies can work together to improve the urgent education situation across Africa. I absolutely agree with President Sirleaf that, in all sectors, we should strive to create meaningful partnerships that prioritise outcomes for children. We fully support the recommendations in this report.”

The executive summary of the report says ‘It is both important and probable that the coming years will see closer partnership between governments and the private sector in Sub Sahara Africa as they jointly address the challenges of improving quality, access, and relevance of education.’

Bridge International Academies is highlighted as an organisation delivering innovative and scalable change in African education. Partnership Schools for Liberia (PSL) is also examined as a case study.

The report was funded by USAID, DFID, CDC Group, Vitol Foundation, plus others, and the lead authors were Caerus Capital LLC with support from Oxford Analytica and Parthenon-EY.

[ENDS]

Notes to Editors

Within the report, page 135 has a case study on Bridge, and page 212 has a case study on Partnership Schools for Liberia.

About Bridge

Bridge believes every child has the right to high quality education and works in partnership with governments, communities, parents and teachers to deliver education to over 100,000 children in underserved communities across Africa and Asia.

Bridge leverages in-depth teacher training and support, advanced lesson plans and wireless technology to provide pupils with a meaningful and life-changing education.

Globally, there is an education crisis. Around 263 million children and young people are not in school and the number of primary school aged children not in school is increasing. Bridge is committed to helping tackle this through a data driven, evidence based approach that delivers strong schools and a great education for all.