The funding will primarily contribute to the government’s efforts to reform the education sector and address key priorities such as gender equality, teacher development, skills enhancement, and high-quality learning.
The funding will primarily contribute to the government’s efforts to reform the education sector and address key priorities such as gender equality, teacher development, skills enhancement, and high-quality learning.
The European Union has announced a substantial investment of €66 million ($71.5 million) in Niger to support the country’s national priorities, with a major focus on education and youth. This investment is part of the Global Gateway Africa-EU investment package and reflects the EU’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Niger.
The funding will primarily contribute to the government’s efforts to reform the education sector and address key priorities such as gender equality, teacher development, skills enhancement, and high-quality learning.
Jutta Urpilainen, the commissioner for international partnerships, emphasized the significance of investing in quality education for all to combat inequalities and foster sustainable social and economic development. Commissioner Urpilainen further highlighted the shared priority of Niger and the European Union in enhancing the skills and knowledge of children and youth, with a particular emphasis on empowering women and girls.
President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger expressed his appreciation for the allocation, recognizing it as a reflection of the strategic partnership between Niger and the EU. He emphasized that the investment would support the government’s efforts to improve education, a top priority for the country’s future generations, as well as address its multifaceted challenges.
Niger has already committed to strengthening its education system and improving the quality of learning, including during emergencies, as demonstrated at the Transforming Education Summit in 2022. The government’s Education and Training Sector Plan, starting in 2024, aims to tackle gender disparities, enhance teacher recruitment and deployment, and align with the EU’s education investments under the Global Gateway initiative.
The EU’s investment in Niger’s education system is channeled through budget support and the Education Sector Basket Fund, among other avenues. Additionally, Niger benefits from other EU education programs such as the Youth Mobility for Africa flagship program, regional initiatives like Strengthening Teaching in the G5 Sahel, and funding opportunities provided by the Global Partnership for Education, Education Cannot Wait, and the Gender at the Center Initiative.
Moreover, European Union member states contribute to Niger’s education and technical and vocational education and training through the Team Europe initiative, #NigerGenerationsFutures. As the largest external investor in education in Niger, the EU demonstrates its commitment to supporting the country’s education sector and promoting sustainable development.
The Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package represents the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable and trusted connections between Africa and Europe. With education being a key pillar of the Global Gateway initiative, the European Union is significantly increasing its investment in education across partner countries, dedicating more than 10 percent of its international partnerships budget to this crucial sector. By prioritizing education, the EU aims to enable prosperity, peace, and the overall well-being of people and the planet.
