By Fanuel Chinowaita
26 May 2025 — As Africa celebrated the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), under the theme “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” stakeholders emphasized the urgent need to overhaul education systems to meet modern challenges.
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Workers Union (ZIDAWU) joined continental voices in advocating for inclusive, lifelong, and quality learning to drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation .
The AU’s official commemoration in Addis Ababa highlighted education as a cornerstone of Agenda 2063, with Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stressing Africa’s youth demographic as both an opportunity and a mandate for investment in skills and innovation.
“Africa’s future hinges on systems that bridge historical gaps and leverage digital tools,” he stated, echoing ZIDAWU’s call for curricula aligned with employment, citizenship, and leadership .
In its Africa Day statement, ZIDAWU underscored the intersection of education and labor rights, urging governments to prioritize teacher training, infrastructure, and policies that uplift marginalized communities. “Resilient education must combat exclusion and prepare learners for decent work,” the union asserted, linking its campaign to broader AU efforts like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster skills mobility .
While the AU showcased collaborations with institutions like the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) on research and digital learning initiatives, disparities persist. For instance, ActionAid Zimbabwe’s recent report revealed that 92% of schools in Mbire lack electricity and sanitation, exacerbating gender inequalities .
Meanwhile, universities like UEF are modeling partnerships through programs such as DigiSTEAM, which localizes STEM education in African languages .
From cultural celebrations in Zimbabwe, where traditional attire highlighted heritage pride , to high-level dialogues on reparatory justice , Africa Day 2025 fused reflection with action. ZIDAWU’s closing rallying cry“Long live African solidarity!”captured the day’s spirit: uniting history with a demand for systemic change .