Education plays a crucial role in the economic expansion, social change, and sustainable development of nations. However, many African countries are facing challenges in achieving high levels of education, which is impeding their progress on various developmental fronts.
In order to overcome these obstacles, African nations must address the issues of poor education levels, which are characterized by low literacy rates and short school years. Without sufficient investment in education, these countries struggle to meet the demands of modern economies, leading to a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities for their citizens.
Furthermore, the lack of educational readiness hampers productivity and deters both domestic and international investment, hindering the overall development of these nations. Human capital, often measured by IQ levels, is a valuable asset for any country, and a population with lower IQ development is usually associated with lower levels of education. This, in turn, creates challenges in starting businesses, attracting investments, and implementing technologies to improve living standards.
According to Data Panda, here are the top 10 African countries with the lowest education levels in 2024, based on a combination of literacy rates and years of schooling:
1. Mali – Global education index: 0.159, Global rank: 177th, Average IQ index: 59.76
2. Guinea – Global education index: 0.172, Global rank: 176th, Average IQ index: 53.48
3. Niger – Global education index: 0.172, Global rank: 175th, Average IQ index: 70.82
4. Chad – Global education index: 0.176, Global rank: 174th, Average IQ index: 78.87
5. Senegal – Global education index: 0.183, Global rank: 173rd, Average IQ index: 77.37
6. Burkina Faso – Global education index: 0.197, Global rank: 171st, Average IQ index: 73.8
7. Sudan – Global education index: 0.200, Global rank: 170th, Average IQ index: 78.87
8. South Sudan – Global education index: 0.208, Global rank: 169th, Average IQ index: 58.61
9. Ethiopia – Global education index: 0.214, Global rank: 167th, Average IQ index: 68.42
10. Sierra Leone – Global education index: 0.220, Global rank: 166th, Average IQ index: 45.07
It is evident that improving education levels in these countries is crucial for their overall development and progress. By investing in education and prioritizing human capital development, African nations can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for their citizens.
