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40% of African adults (153 million people) are illiterate, with women being more affected. Despite improved advocacy, the number of illiterate adults increased from 177 million to 200 million due to rapid population growth. Worldwide, 800 million adults and 122 million young people are functionally illiterate, costing the world economy 1.19 trillion USD annually. Illiteracy also increases child mortality rates.
Illiteracy in Africa is common, with about 40% of all African adults (about 153 million people) unable to read or write as of 2015. Nine of the top 10 countries with the highest illiteracy rates illiteracy come from Africa. Women are more likely than men to be illiterate; two-thirds of all illiterate adults in Africa are women. From 1990 to 2008, the adult literacy rate in Africa improved from 52% to about 60% due to increased advocacy, however, the total number of illiterate adults actually increased from 177 million to 200 million. This is likely a result of the continent’s rapid population growth, which is predicted to double by 2050.
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Worldwide, nearly 800 million adults, or about 12% of the total world population, and over 122 million young people are functionally illiterate.
Illiteracy is thought to cost the world economy approximately 1.19 trillion US dollars (USD) each year due to an increase in factors such as health care costs, crime and welfare associated with functional illiteracy.
Having an illiterate mother increases a child’s chances of not surviving past age 5 by more than 50%.
