Africa could require an estimated 15 million additional teachers by 2030 to meet its basic education needs, highlighting the scale of the continent’s ongoing teacher shortage.
The shortage is emerging as one of the biggest challenges facing education systems across Africa, with many countries struggling to recruit, train and retain enough qualified teachers.
Available data indicates that teacher shortages are particularly severe in parts of the continent where classrooms are overcrowded and educational resources remain limited.
In some regions, only about 67 per cent of primary school teachers meet national qualification standards, according to a 2026 overview of education in Africa.
The shortage has implications for learning outcomes because teachers are often required to handle large numbers of pupils, making it difficult to provide individual attention and effective classroom support.
Some schools reportedly face teacher-to-student ratios as high as 1:60.
The problem is also linked to teacher retention. Poor remuneration, difficult working conditions and limited professional development opportunities continue to make it difficult for some education systems to keep experienced teachers in the profession.
UNESCO has similarly estimated that Africa needs to recruit at least 15 million additional teachers by 2030 if the continent is to achieve its primary and secondary education goals.
Education experts say governments will need to invest not only in recruiting more teachers but also in improving teacher training, salaries, working conditions and professional development.
The challenge is particularly significant as African countries seek to expand access to quality education while preparing young people for economies increasingly driven by technology and digital skills.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.