Why Investment in Africa and Emerging Markets Will Surge in 2025

Investment in Africa’s education sector is poised for rapid growth in 2025, driven by favorable demographics, economic expansion, and increasing demand for high-quality international schooling. Emerging markets, particularly in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, are attracting investors eager to capitalise on the rising middle class and the urgent need for quality education infrastructure.

1. Africa’s Booming Youth Population

According to the World Bank, Africa’s youth population is projected to reach 1.3 billion by 2050. This demographic shift presents a massive demand for education, from early childhood through to tertiary levels. With government schools struggling to keep pace, private and international school operators are stepping in to fill the gap.

2. Economic Growth and a Rising Middle Class

Emerging markets, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, have experienced steady GDP growth, with the African Development Bank forecasting 4% growth across the continent in 2025. The expansion of the middle class is fueling demand for private education, particularly international schools offering globally recognized curricula such as the IB, Cambridge, and American systems.

3. Growth in Private and Foreign Investment

Private equity firms and international school groups are increasingly focusing on Africa and other emerging markets. Institutions like Nova Pioneer (Kenya & South Africa) and Bridge International Academies (Nigeria, Kenya, India) have demonstrated the profitability of scalable, affordable international education models. Investors are drawn to high returns due to low market saturation and strong demand.

4. Government Support and Regulatory Reforms

Many African governments are introducing favorable policies to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in education. Incentives include tax benefits, land grants, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to facilitate new school developments.

Education leaders and investors who enter Africa and other emerging markets now will gain first-mover advantages in a rapidly growing sector. The key is to develop adaptable, cost-effective school models tailored to local economic conditions.

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If you want to learn more about the steps required to set up a school, check out some of our other articles:

– Steps to Setting Up a New School

– 10 Steps and Articles on How to Set Up a New School

– GSE International School Franchise Models

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CEO and Education Expert Greg Parry

Internationally renowned for his expertise in education leadership, Greg Parry’s vast experience includes leadership of projects for education institutions throughout Australia, the Middle East, the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Recognised for his numerous contributions in the education arena, Greg has received the Minister’s Award for Excellence in School Leadership based on improvements in school performance and a range of successful principal training and leadership development programs, as well as the School of Excellence Award for Industry/School Partnerships and the School of Excellence Award for Technology Innovation. His company, GSE (Global Services in Education), has been recognised as having the Best Global Brand in International Education in 2015 and 2016.

Considered one of the premier experts in his profession, Greg has trained teachers and principals worldwide in areas such as critical thinking, language development and leadership. His expertise in school start-up projects, leadership and curriculum development has made him a sought-after authority in this discipline.

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Global Services in Education set up and operate schools in all parts of the world. Governed by a philosophy of global citizenship, every member of the GSE team shares a passion to help shape international education and student achievement through inspiration and collaboration.
Our goal is to meet the highest objectives of every school, teacher, student and parent, with an unwavering dedication to quality education, shared ideals and intercultural perspectives.