Deputy PM Temesgen Stresses Education as Driving Force for Africa

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2025 (FMC) – Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh highlighted the transformative power of education for Africa during the official opening of the 41st Annual Conference of the Africa for Educational Assessment (AfEA) in Addis Ababa today.

In his keynote address, Temesgen said, “We stand together for a common purpose: to make education the driving force behind Africa’s transformation and upliftment.” He emphasized that while Africa is on the rise, progress alone is insufficient; the continent must guarantee that every child not only has the opportunity to learn but also access to education that is fair, relevant, and of the highest quality.

Deputy PM Temesgen described educational assessment as more than a measurement of learning outcomes, calling it “a guiding tool” that identifies where the continent stands today and the direction it must take for the future.

He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to establishing an education and assessment system that is just, purposeful, and designed to nurture both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. “If Africa is to advance in every sphere, the quality of education must be at the heart of our efforts,” he said, stressing the need for a continental framework that promotes unity, respects cultural heritage, and strengthens the transmission and growth of African knowledge.

The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by urging stakeholders to build an education system that serves today’s learners while shaping Africa’s long-term destiny.

The AfEA conference, hosted in Ethiopia, brings together education experts, policymakers, and practitioners from across the continent to discuss strategies for enhancing learning outcomes and developing effective assessment practices.