For example, at independence, in 1964, Zambia had very few high schools. In later years, under the rule of Kenneth Kaunda, the government spent millions to build up its school system. But, because Zambia was then dependent on copper, when the price of copper collapsed in 1974, so did the Zambian economy. The decline of the Zambian education system soon followed. This story is repeated, in some shape or form, throughout Africa.
Education is the linchpin of development.
This has always been true, but in today's global economy, where everything and everyone, it seems, is interconnected, education takes on a whole new importance. In the 21st century, it is virtually impossible to build a market economy without an educated population, and without an educated workforce that is comfortable with information technology. But even beyond that, a lack of basic education means that people often don't understand the forces around them. Even if the public health messages about AIDS reach them, for example, they may not make sense. Families who for generations have depended on copper mining for their livelihoods may not understand why suddenly copper is not worth as much.