We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on our website. Click to accept our use of cookies. I Accept Find out more

Harnessing Education Research for Impact in Africa

Background

Africa has the world’s youngest population—over 60% under 25. Yet less than 3% of global education research is African-led. HERI Africa is changing that. This Pan-African initiative puts African researchers in the driver’s seat, ensuring studies improve learning, youth opportunities, and community outcomes.

Why HERI Africa Matters

By 2030, Africa will supply half of all new entrants to the global workforce. Education systems face a critical choice: invest in evidence-based, future-ready education, or risk leaving a generation behind. 

Currently, most African-led research is underfunded, with over 90% of studies lacking local resources. HERI Africa ensures research is relevant, locally grounded, and translated into actions that directly improve schools, curricula, and youth pathways. 

The Journey

HERI Africa began in 2021 with a bold question: “What if African researchers set the agenda?” Twelve funders launched the Africa Education Research Funding Consortium, engaging 90 African scholars and educators. 

The initiative quickly scaled into the Enhancing Education Research in Africa (EERA) project, reaching over 200 stakeholders and introducing eight innovations—from African-led research agendas to mentorship programmes for women and early-career researchers. 

Today, HERI Africa is a continental movement uniting governments, universities, funders, and communities to deliver locally-led, impactful research that transforms learning and youth opportunities. 

Visit the HERI Africa website

Ambition and Goals

HERI Africa aims to grow domestic education research funding in East Africa from 3% to 30% by 2050. By 2035, Kenya and other countries that follow will have education systems that are relevant, inclusive, and sustainable—rooted in African knowledge, guided by local evidence, and delivering results that matter to learners, communities, and economies. 

The initiative targets $100 million in funding by 2050 to make African-led research scalable and sustainable. 

  • Vision: A transformed African education research ecosystem that is relevant, impactful, and sustainable. 

  • Mission: Strengthen the capacity of university-based early-career and female researchers, promote gender equality, ground research in local realities, and democratise funding through African governments. 

Why HERI Africa Matters

By 2030, Africa will supply half of all new entrants to the global workforce. Education systems face a critical choice: invest in evidence-based, future-ready education, or risk leaving a generation behind. 

Currently, most African-led research is underfunded, with over 90% of studies lacking local resources. HERI Africa ensures research is relevant, locally grounded, and translated into actions that directly improve schools, curricula, and youth pathways.

Latest news

Publications

Partners

  • Universities and Academic Leaders: Kisii University, University of Embu, Kenyatta University

  • Policy Makers: Commission for University Education (CUE), National Research Fund Kenya

  • Civil Society and Knowledge Intermediaries: Mizizi Elimu Afrika, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

  • Funders and Development Partners: Imaginable Futures, Echidna Giving