JOHANNESBURG, 25 August 2025 – Education has long been recognised as the cornerstone of sustainable development, yet for millions of children across Africa, access to quality learning remains an elusive dream. On August 21, at the Champion for Education in Africa event in Johannesburg, Chery International unveiled a bold step toward reshaping this reality with the launch of its ‘Powering Tomorrow Through Education’ initiative and the official establishment of the Chery Education Foundation.
With a mission to catalyse systemic transformation, the foundation aims to move beyond temporary interventions and foster long-term, collaborative solutions that empower African youth with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the future.
A New Chapter in African Education
The event brought together high-level leaders and education advocates including South Africa’s Deputy President Humile Mashatile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, and representatives from UNICEF, NGOs, and the Department of Basic Education. In discussions, the resounding message was clear: overcoming Africa’s education challenges requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and sustainable investment.
During the event, Chery pledged an initial investment of R3 million to the foundation. This funding will focus on pressing needs such as upgrading early childhood development centres, training teachers, and equipping schools with age-appropriate resources.
“Corporate involvement can bring sustainable resources and innovative thinking to educational philanthropy,” remarked Dindji Wotto Léonie Jacqueline, President of KIDS’ HOUSE in Côte d’Ivoire. Similarly, Rym Blaiech of Tunisia’s Arc en Ciel stressed that education in fragile regions is more than academics—it is a cornerstone for rebuilding societies.
Beyond Short-Term Aid: Building a Resilient Ecosystem
Chery’s commitment extends well beyond charity. The company envisions a shift from fragmented aid to ecosystem co-creation, working alongside governments, educators, non-profits, and communities to dismantle barriers to learning.
From August 21 to 22, a senior Chery delegation joined UNICEF representatives to visit project sites in South Africa. These included schools pioneering STEM-based competency measurement tools, early childhood development centres, and youth-led initiatives like the “Girls and Boys Education Movement.” These visits demonstrated how technology and peer support can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and future employment.
The partnership builds on Chery’s ongoing collaboration with UNICEF. In 2023, the company pledged US$6 million over two years to education programmes across South Africa, Mexico, Türkiye, and China. In South Africa alone, the partnership has expanded access to digital learning, strengthened school safety, and empowered learners to take on leadership roles.
“Our partnership is helping to equip young people with the digital skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s world,” said Jeremy Hopkins, Deputy Regional Director of UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa. “With Chery’s long-term commitment, we can expand this impact across Africa and beyond, so every child, everywhere, has the chance to learn, grow, and shape a better future.”
Corporate Commitment with Local Impact
For Chery, education is not simply a philanthropic venture but a strategic investment in shared value. By aligning with UNICEF and other partners, the company aims to replicate successful models across African nations, ensuring that initiatives are locally designed, globally scalable.
“Corporate social responsibility is never an isolated act of kindness; it’s a long-term commitment that resonates with local development,” said Zhang Shengshan, Executive Vice President of Chery International. “In the future, Chery will continue to deepen its collaboration with UNICEF and replicate our successful partnership model in more African countries, allowing education to become the wings of dreams for African youth.”
Lighting the Path Forward
From Johannesburg’s classrooms to underserved communities across North and Central Africa, Chery’s education initiatives reflect its guiding philosophy: “Empower the Future, Share the Value.” Each investment is intended to generate sustainable momentum, cultivating resilience, innovation, and opportunity.
By anchoring its approach in collaboration and long-term vision, Chery is contributing not only to Africa’s educational transformation but also to the global agenda of equitable learning.
Because ultimately, the light of education must reach every corner of the world—illuminating the path so that every child’s dream can take flight toward a brighter tomorrow.
UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product, or service.
