By Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel

Education is the foundation of any nation’s progress, and in Africa, it holds the key to unlocking the continent’s vast potential. Recognizing this, Ambassador Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel has been at the forefront of revolutionizing education across Africa. As a seasoned educational consultant, serial entrepreneur, and Head of Missions for the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, he has spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at overhauling the educational landscape.

Ambassador Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel’s approach to education is centered on modernization, accessibility, and digital innovation. In an era where technology drives growth and development, he has consistently advocated for the integration of digital tools and methodologies in educational systems across Africa. His vision is clear: to create a future where every African child has access to high-quality, digitized education that prepares them to compete on a global scale.

“Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about preparing our youth to navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex world,” says Ambassador Stephen. “In Africa, we have a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional models and embrace digital solutions that can transform our educational systems and, ultimately, our economies.”

The International Teachers Summit: Promoting Innovative Educational Solutions

One of Ambassador Stephen’s most impactful initiatives is the International Teachers Summit, a program designed to promote digitized educational solutions and build capacity among educators across the continent. The summit brings together teachers, education professionals, policymakers, and technology experts to explore new teaching methodologies, share best practices, and develop digital tools that can enhance learning outcomes.

Since its inception, the International Teachers Summit has impacted over 700 schools across Africa, providing educators with the resources, training, and support needed to deliver modern, high-quality education. The summit is a testament to Ambassador Stephen’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation in education.

“To achieve sustainable development, we must invest in our educators. They are the change agents who will shape the minds and futures of our young people,” he explains. “The International Teachers

Summit is not just an event; it’s a movement to empower teachers with the skills and tools they need to succeed in a digital world.”

Ambassador Stephen’s influence extends beyond the classroom to the broader community through initiatives like the Nigeria Youth Summit. Over nearly a decade, he has led this transformative platform, which engages young Nigerians in leadership development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. The summit aims to equip young Africans with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to become effective leaders and change-makers in their communities.

“The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today,” says Ambassador Stephen. “The Nigeria Youth Summit is about empowering young people to take charge of their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities and nations.”

Through workshops, mentorship programs, and interactive sessions, the Nigeria Youth Summit provides young Africans with practical knowledge and experiences that help them develop a growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. It emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, innovation, and collaboration—key qualities needed to drive Africa’s development forward.

Recognizing the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and creating jobs, Ambassador Stephen launched the YES I CAN PROJECT—an initiative focused on fostering apprenticeship development and empowering young entrepreneurs across Africa. The project provides mentorship, training, and access to resources for young people looking to start their own businesses.

“Entrepreneurship is the engine of economic growth. If we want to see Africa thrive, we need to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among our youth,” he states. “The YES I CAN PROJECT is about giving young Africans the tools and confidence to build their futures, one business at a time.”

The initiative has already seen remarkable success stories, with many young entrepreneurs launching and growing their businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to their local economies. By focusing on skills development, practical experience, and a supportive network, Ambassador Stephen is helping to build a new generation of African entrepreneurs who can drive the continent’s economic transformation.

Ambassador Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel’s efforts in transforming education in Africa are part of a broader, holistic approach to development. As the Head of Missions for the AU Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, he is also involved in advocating for policies that promote regional integration, peace, and socio-economic growth across Africa.

His leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that education, entrepreneurship, and collaboration are interconnected and essential for achieving the goals of Agenda 2063. By empowering educators, inspiring youth, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Ambassador Stephen is helping to shape a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.

“Education is the foundation, but we must also build the pillars of entrepreneurship, leadership, and collaboration,” he asserts. “Through these interconnected strategies, we can transform Africa into a global powerhouse driven by its own citizens.”

Ambassador Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel’s work is a call to action for all stakeholders—governments, private sector players, educational institutions, and civil society organizations—to come together and invest in Africa’s future. By aligning efforts and pooling resources, he believes that Africa can overcome its challenges and build a continent that is unified, prosperous, and inclusive.

“We cannot afford to wait for change; we must be the change,” he concludes. “The work we do today will determine the Africa we leave for future generations. Let us work together to create an Africa that is truly worthy of its promise.”

As a visionary leader, Ambassador Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in education and development across Africa. His commitment to innovative solutions and his belief in the potential of Africa’s youth are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous continent.