Without Education, There Can Be No Progress in Africa!

“Africa possesses vast natural resources, yet it is still unable to fully harness its economic potential,” György Hölvényi, Member of the European Parliament for the KDNP, stressed during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, in the debate on the state of play of advancing EU–Africa trade and investment relations. According to the MEP, one of the main obstacles to Africa’s economic development is the lack of adequate education and professional expertise. “Africa possesses almost all of the key mineral resources needed for the digital age, yet its economy remains largely limited to raw material extraction. Local added value, adequate capital and, above all, professional expertise are still lacking,” he said.

Hölvényi pointed out that while Africa is home to a significant share of the world’s agricultural land and substantial reserves of several strategic raw materials, the continent still relies heavily on imports, ranging from food and agricultural machinery to vehicles and fuel. According to the MEP, Zambia provides a clear example of the scale of the skills shortage: tens of thousands of mining engineers are needed, while only around 800 people obtain the relevant qualifications each year.

“Natural resources alone do not create prosperity. If Africa is to develop by building on its own resources, knowledge and expertise must be created locally. One thing is certain: without education, there can be no progress,” György Hölvényi concluded.