Continental Call to Action: Outjo Hosts High-Level Campaign to End Learning Poverty in Africa

Continental Call to Action: Outjo Hosts High-Level Campaign to End Learning Poverty in Africa. Outjo Municipality Stadium in Namibia’s Kunene Region is set to become the focal point of a continental education movement as leaders from across Africa gather on 31 July 2025 to declare the eradication of learning poverty a shared priority.

The event will be led by Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Right Honourable Dr. Elijah Ngurare, and Honourable Sanet Steenkamp. Their participation signals strong political commitment to addressing low literacy and numeracy rates among children across the continent.

Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), the African Union, and UNICEF, the campaign underscores a united effort to ensure that every child in Africa can read, write, and count by the time they leave primary school.

The choice of Outjo as the host location reflects the organisers’ intention to engage with communities directly affected by limited access to quality education, particularly in rural and under-resourced regions. The event aims to amplify the voices of educators, parents, learners, and local leaders who are central to achieving sustainable change.

In addition to keynote addresses from government officials and development partners, the day will feature community engagement activities, youth performances, and educational exhibitions, reinforcing the message that literacy is not a privilege, but a right.

With learning poverty identified as a key barrier to development, the campaign calls on African nations to increase investment in early childhood education, teacher training, and inclusive learning materials.