Africa: More Than 171 Million Students Had Their Schooling Disrupted By Climate Hazards in 2025 - Unicef

What the report says

UNICEF said a new global analysis shows that more than 171 million students, from pre-primary through upper secondary level, had their schooling disrupted by climate hazards in 2025. The report, released in New York and distributed via AllAfrica, reviewed data from 106 countries and territories and found that storms, floods, heatwaves, droughts and wildfires caused school closures, suspended classes, damaged buildings, remote-learning shifts and shortened instructional time.

The agency said storms were the most frequent driver of disruption, affecting 109 million students worldwide, followed by floods and heatwaves. UNICEF also said the burden fell heavily on lower-income countries, where education systems often have fewer resources to keep learning going during emergencies. The analysis highlighted several country examples, including major flood-related disruption in Pakistan and a nationwide class suspension in Egypt after a dust storm. It also cited repeated interruptions in places such as Madagascar and Spain.

UNICEF warned that repeated climate-related school disruptions can deepen learning losses, raise dropout risks and hurt long-term earnings and economic growth. The organization said girls face added risks because climate shocks can increase caregiving burdens, displacement and the chance of early marriage. It called for stronger climate-resilient education planning, better school infrastructure, more financing and improved data systems. The findings underscore how climate change is increasingly affecting not only physical infrastructure but also access to education, especially in vulnerable communities.