Africa Must Make Education an Economic Strategy – Otumfuo

The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has stressed the need for Africa to redefine education as an economic strategy, not just a social service.

His Majesty stated that no country can develop beyond the skills of its human capital.

“Africa must make education not only a social service but an economic strategy,” Otumfuo said while addressing a group at the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów on May 29, 2026.

The King of the Asante Kingdom cited the Otumfuo Education Fund as proof of what is possible when young people get access to learning.

“At the Otumfuo Education Fund, we have given young people the chance to dream beyond poverty. Many children who might have been lost to circumstances have found the path to education.”

However, the Asantehene affirmed that the challenge is greater than any individual Fund, kingdom or government and thereby called on Poland to invest directly in African human capital through scholarships and institutional partnerships.

“I therefore call for Poland scholarships in science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, digital technology and cultural service. I call for a partnership between Polish universities and African universities. I call for joint research, faculty exchange, student exchange and innovation,” His Majesty said.

Otumfuo envisioned direct academic links between major cities in both regions to speed up knowledge transfer and innovation.

“Let us build a knowledge corridor between Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk and Kumasi, Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, Kigali, Johannesburg and beyond,” Otumfuo urged.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/