The report focuses on the role of education in facilitating effective participation of groups and individuals in development efforts in Africa. Special attention is given to problems of the poor, women, the handicapped, those uninvolved or marginally involved such as unemployed youth, and those living and working in rural areas. The report is comprised of six chapters. Chapter I establishes the interrelationships among development, participation, and education. Chapter II traces the evolution of the educational system in Africa with an emphasis on nonformal education. Chapter III discusses educational needs and examines the premises, prerequisites, and characteristics of an enabling educational system. Chapter IV focuses on areas of particular need and on specific target groups: youth, women, the disabled, cooperatives, and workers' organizations. Chapter V examines the contribution of international cooperation in enabling African countries to attain their educational and training goals. The final chapter provides a summary. (KC)