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Secondary education in sub-Saharan Africa: Exploring research priorities with the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)

Abstract Research on secondary education in Africa is urgent for several reasons. One reason is the strong link between social and economic development, on the one hand, and secondary education, on the other. Several studies have indicated this link and while African leaders are mindful of its importance, no comprehensive plan exists whereby development objectives put forward by New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) could be realised. This article reports on a pilot study by a South African university following a request from the NEPAD Secretariat to investigate secondary education research opportunities. The study included a literature review, documentation analysis and interviews with various interested individuals and bodies that are concerned with secondary education research and development in Africa. Results of the pilot study point towards a number of important studies that have been conducted or that are currently under way concerning African secondary education. Secondly, a number of possible strategic focus areas for research have emerged, but will have to be followed by more in-depth inquiry in order to be of proper value.