Growth and Equity in Tertiary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This study represents a first report of a regional cross-country analysis of patterns in equity and growth in tertiary education in Sub-Saharan Africa. In it, we analyse country-level surveys and regional statistics to see how expansion affected equity, how equity is explained by household characteristics and other factors, and what the intrinsic characteristics of the tertiary education system are that influence equity. Data show that in many instances, Sub-Saharan African countries fall behind other regions in terms of equity; and whereas some policies, such as diversification and more equitable pre-tertiary education can help, more efforts and more effective policies need to be introduced to make the system more equitable. The report argues that growth itself will not necessarily lead to improved equity and more equitable access to tertiary education can help the sector in achieving its higher-level objectives, including its contribution to competitiveness and prosperity.Cette étude constitue le premier rapport d'une analyse de l'équité et de la croissance de l'enseignement supérieur en Afrique sub-saharienne. Nous analysons des enquêtes nationales et des statistiques régionales pour montrer la manière dont la croissance affecte l'équité, comment l'équité peut être expliquée par les caractéristiques des ménages ainsi que par d'autres facteurs et quels facteurs propres au système d'enseignement