Paper short abstract:

The future of education in Africa is intricately linked to the role of language in shaping learning outcomes and societal development. This study aims to explore the impact of multilingual education on the future of Africa’s development.

Paper long abstract:

Africa’s education system is at a critical juncture, and facing challenges and opportunities that will significantly shape the continent’s future. The future of Africa’s education and the role of language in promoting inclusive and sustainable development is a critical topic that requires urgent attention. As Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of poverty, inequality, and political instability, the education sector has the potential to play a transformative role in promoting sustainable development and social justice. However, the realization of this potential hinges on the ability of education systems to adapt to the rapidly changing social, economic, and political contexts of the continent. One of the key factors that will determine the future of education in Africa is language. Language is a powerful tool for communication, socialization, and cultural expression. However, the dominant language policies in many African countries continue to marginalize indigenous languages and promote the use of colonial languages, such as English and French. Many African students are denied access to quality education because they do not speak the dominant language of instruction. To address this challenge, there is an urgent need for language policies that promote the use of indigenous languages in education. This will help to preserve the cultural heritage and identity of African people. This study will explore the role of language in Africa’s education and its implications for the continent’s development. It will also delve into the impact of multilingual education on fostering inclusive and sustainable development and enhancing cognitive development among African learners.