Dr. Mari Shojo delivered a lecture on “Role of the World Bank in Building Better Education Systems in Africa”

On 7th January 2025, Dr. Mari Shojo, an Ogawa-zemi alumna currently working at the World Bank as a Senior Education Specialist, delivered a hybrid seminar titled “Role of the World Bank in Building Better Education Systems in Africa”. Dr. Shojo works on leading and analytical activities focused on primary and secondary education, early childhood development, human capital development, and skills development. She started the lecture by mentioning that the World Bank allocates 5% of its portfolio (US$72.8 billion) to education, viewing it as a critical investment in economic and human development. However, despite the WB’s huge investments, the education sector of many African countries faces a crisis, driven by increased school attendance and a growing youth population, without corresponding improvements in quality.

To address these challenges, the Bank emphasizes transforming learning spaces to be climate-friendly and community-engaged, reforming teacher systems for accountability and motivation, leveraging technology like EdTech, and integrating cross-sectoral connectivity. A strong focus is placed on girls’ education by improving infrastructure, affordability, and sanitation to enhance access and retention. Additionally, the Bank seeks to align education with labor market needs, equipping students with soft and region-specific skills while tackling the issue of NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth. In fragile and conflict-affected settings, such as Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka, the Bank faces operational risks but collaborates with UN agencies to sustain progress in health, social protection, and education. Lastly, Dr. Shojo, with 15+ years of experience, highlighted the importance of continuous learning and staying updated to address emerging challenges effectively.

Finally, the seminar session concluded with a Q&A session, where participants engaged with Dr. Shojo on topics such as essential skills to work in global settings, the strengths of Ogawa-seminar/ GSICS, and how to survive at international organizations. This inspiring seminar offered GSICS students a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the World Bank’s role and career path, motivating us to pursue impactful careers in the field. I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Keiichi Ogawa and the Global Network Program (GNP) staff for organizing this invaluable seminar and to Dr. Shojo Mari for her enlightening and inspiring lecture.