Caught Between Conflict and Funding Cuts: Education Under Threat in West and Central Africa

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Across West and Central <a href="https://absafricatv.com/india-south-africa-pave-way-for-preferential-trade-agreement/” title=”India, South Africa pave way for preferential trade agreement”>Africa, education is under increasing pressure from two converging crises: conflict and declining funding. Millions of children continue to face disruptions to their learning as attacks on education persist, schools remain closed due to insecurity, and humanitarian re

The latest regional advocacy note, Caught Between Conflict and Funding Cuts: Education Under Threat in West & Central Africa, paints a stark picture of the challenges facing children and education systems across the region. In just five countries, 8,704 schools remain closed due to insecurity in 2026, disrupting learning for nearly 2.7 million children and affecting more than 102,000 teachers. At the same time, more than 1,100 attacks on education were recorded across seven countries during 2024-2025, while the number of students and education personnel harmed more than doubled compared with the previous reporting period.

The note highlights that the consequences of conflict extend far beyond individual incidents. Prolonged school closures, displacement, insecurity and poverty are contributing to a wider education crisis, leaving millions of children at risk of missing out on education altogether. Meanwhile, humanitarian funding for education has fallen sharply, with education responses receiving just 17.8% of identified requirements as of July 2026, widening an already critical funding gap.

Despite these challenges, progress is possible. The report showcases efforts by governments and partners across the region to strengthen the protection of education and implement the Safe Schools Declaration. However, far greater political commitment and investment are needed to ensure that every child can learn safely, even in times of crisis.

Education is not only a fundamental right; it is a lifeline. Protecting schools, supporting teachers and sustaining access to learning through dedicated funding must remain a priority if the region is to prevent today’s education crisis from becoming a lost future for millions of children.