A case for private sector participation in higher education development in Africa with specific reference to recovery in a globalized economy

Abstract

This paper notes that while globalization is presenting opportunities for economic growth and development, it is also presenting constraints against the same. Subsequently, the authors argue, there is need to develop (through higher education) the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to harness the opportunities globalization is offering whilst avoiding the challenges that it is posing. However, in Africa, the reach and effectiveness of the public education system are limited in various ways. Therefore, the authors recommend increased involvement of the private sector in the higher education sector as a panacea for dealing with some of the gaps in public higher education.

Exploring Modalities Best Suited for Public Private Partnership Concession Agreements in the Education Sector of Zambia

“…However, in a bid to improve quality of life and add to human capital, countries have embraced the implementation of PPPs for social infrastructure in sectors such as education (Oktavianus., et al, 2018). For the public sector, this is a welcomed move as the demand for educational services especially across Africa is rising at a faster rate than governments can supply (Osuji, Mafara, & Chagbe, 2016). On the other hand, this is also an overall shift from the general perception that the private sector is unwilling to invest in long term, risky, and illiquid assets, which is specifically what social infrastructure investments are (Vives et al, 2010).…”