Education for Economic Resilience: What It Takes to Build Lasting Education Systems in Africa with Dr Samuel Kembou

Episode 176 with Dr Samuel Kembou, Global Co-Lead for Learning and Evidence at the Jacobs Foundation, a Swiss-based philanthropy advancing the learning and development of children worldwide. With a presence in Africa for over 35 years, the Foundation is known for its long-term commitment to strengthening education systems through rigorous research, strategic partnerships, and evidence-informed policymaking.

Dr Kembou plays a central role in ensuring that data, learning, and research translate into practical, scalable solutions for education reform. He is a passionate advocate for placing evidence at the heart of decision-making, so that education systems not only deliver better outcomes for learners today but are built to adapt and thrive for generations to come.

A respected leader in global education and development, Dr. Kembou brings sharp insight into how African countries can harness the power of learning systems to drive economic resilience and sustainable growth. His work at the Jacobs Foundation reflects a bold vision: that by investing in what works, we can transform the future of education across the continent.

What We Discuss With Dr Kembou

• Why Dr. Samuel Kembou believes education is one of the most powerful tools for driving long-term economic growth and social resilience.
• The role of rigorous research and data in shaping effective education policies and improving classroom outcomes across African countries.
• The vision and impact behind the new $80 million co-funding mechanism in Ghana, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, World Bank, and other key actors.
• How African countries can lead the global conversation on education innovation and help deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
• The importance of multi-sector collaboration—including governments, philanthropies, and civil society in transforming education ecosystems.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Future of Farming: Using Tech, Finance, and Human Networks To Connect African Farmers to Global Markets? Make sure to check it out!

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Connect with Dr Kembou:
LinkedIn - Samuel Kembou, PhD
Twitter - @Foundation_JF

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