According to the 2030 Reading Panel, basic literacy among South African children is declining: approximately 82% of children don’t learn to read for meaning by age 10. According to the African Library Project, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest illiteracy rate: more than one in three adults cannot read.  

High literacy rates are essential for economic growth, poverty reduction, and democratic participation. Companies can address the challenge through initiatives that include:

  • Partnering with schools and educational nonprofits. 
  • Funding evidence-based reading programmes. 
  • Supporting teacher training and development.  
  • Providing digital learning resources and technology. 
  • Creating workplace literacy programmes for employees and communities. 

This topic explores how companies can partner with other stakeholders to improve literacy outcomes in South Africa, throughout Africa, and globally. Â