The United Nations has reported that the high dropout rate of girls in sub-Saharan Africa is causing an economic loss of about $210 billion each year.
This loss underscores the importance of investing in girls’ education, as it not only impacts individual futures but also hampers broader economic growth and development in the region.
The report, titled “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals – The Gender Snapshot 2024,” highlights the severe economic impact of gender inequality in education across the region, where girls remain significantly disadvantaged compared to boys.
“In sub-Saharan Africa, where girls are at a significant disadvantage compared to boys, the annual cost of girls leaving school early is $210 billion, more than 10 per cent of the region’s combined GDP.”, The report stated.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization estimates that by 2030, the global annual social costs associated with the basic skills deficit will exceed $10 trillion, surpassing the combined GDP of France and Japan.
According to the report, “If the number of children dropping out of school early and those with less than basic skills each fell by just 1 percentage point, annual global labour income could increase by $470 billion and over $650 billion, respectively.” This highlights the staggering economic opportunities being missed due to the education gap.
Despite a rise of 5.4 million girls attending school since 2015, the situation remains critical, with 119.3 million girls still out of school globally.
Many of these girls are in sub-Saharan Africa, where systemic poverty, gender inequality, and limited resources impede educational access, exacerbating economic losses in the region.
Additionally, 39% of young women worldwide do not complete upper-secondary education, restricting their ability to engage fully in the workforce and contribute to economic growth.
The economic consequences of the educational gap for girls are significant. When girls are denied the chance to complete their education, it limits their access to skilled employment and reduces their lifetime earnings. This not only affects individual families but also stifles broader economic development at both national and regional levels. Investing in girls’ education is crucial for unlocking their potential and driving sustainable growth.
The report highlights that reducing early dropouts and addressing basic skills deficits could substantially boost global labor income.
To mitigate these losses, it advocates for gender-responsive policies, including lowering educational costs, providing cash transfers, ensuring safe schooling environments, and promoting awareness of the importance of girls’ education.
