Africa’s monumental challenges in its quest to reform education systems capable of fostering good governance on the continent appear to be rooted in social dynamics, with an operational centre on economic, cultural and power dynamics. Though recent decades have seen improvements in enrolment rates, issues of quality, relevance and equity are still out there. Conceptually, social dynamics encompass multifaceted sociological elements shaping and directing human behaviour and societal operations. In Africa, economic, cultural and power dynamics interact in ways that minimise educational advancement. Economically, funding shortfalls stymie infrastructure and teacher development, while volatile landscapes constrain skills alignment. Disparities also abound, with poverty exacerbating inequities. Cultural dynamics manifest in diverse cultural values, resistance to Western models and gender disparities. Power dynamics manifest through patrimonial interference by political elites seeking personal agendas, relegating meritocracy. Within educational institutions, administrators and other officials engage in counterproductive power plays. Recommendations include unified educational policies, increased funding, culturally relevant curricula, prioritising girls' education, promoting indigenous languages, ensuring institutional autonomy and evidence-based policymaking.