African human capital is crucial for the Mattei Plan
by Laura Frigenti*
The global economy is under pressure: prices remain high, debt is rising, conflicts are destabilising food and energy markets, and climate shocks are being felt with increased intensity and frequency. In this context, Africa must make one choice imperative: protect and enhance investment in education. Across the continent, education and skills will determine whether population growth becomes an asset or a missed opportunity. For Italia, this should be of direct relevance. If the Mattei Plan is to deliver on the promise of equal partnership, long-term growth and shared prosperity, it must invest in the human capital that makes all other investments sustainable
Africa has the youngest population in the world. Today, it accounts for about 14% of the working-age population globally; by the end of the century, this share is expected to exceed 40%. With the right skills, this generation can boost new businesses, higher productivity and broader prosperity. Without them, the risks are rising unemployment, insecurity and avoidable migration. The difference lies in education.
This is why education must be at the centre of Africa's economic agenda. Any serious path to growth - industrialisation, digital transformation, climate resilience and stronger public institutions - depends on human capital. This starts with basic learning, but must go further: developing skills relevant to the world of work in today's economies. When young people acquire the right skills, businesses expand, productivity increases and investments generate higher returns.
Education is primarily financed at the national level. Domestic resources already account for over 90 per cent of education funding, making them the most stable and accountable basis for investment. GPE helps countries protect and increase these budgets by supporting country-led plans and aligning partners to support reforms. The momentum is real: in 43 of the GPE partner countries, governments have committed to spending an additional $3.3 billion per year on education by 2030 - a 33 per cent increase that will translate into more than $230 billion in national education spending over five years. This is national ownership in action.
International financing is still important, but it must be used differently. It should support country-led reforms, encourage co-financing and help countries overcome shocks, without creating dependency on short project cycles. The goal is sustainability: governments leading with domestic resources and partners strengthening national systems so that results last beyond the duration of a single grant.
