MEDIA ADVISORY
SAL, May 9, 2025 - The Government of Cabo Verde will host a high-level regional conference on “Empowering Childcare in West Africa: Challenges and Opportunities”, from May 12-14, 2025, at Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort.
Facilitated by the World Bank, this convening will bring together policymakers, technical experts, private sector, and development partners from across West Africa to exchange knowledge, shape actionable strategies, and strengthen collaboration on childcare policy and service delivery.
Childcare catalyzes economic growth, social equity, women’s economic empowerment and human capital development. As Africa faces a growing demand for quality childcare services, governments must explore scalable, sustainable, and inclusive solutions supporting working families, enhancing early childhood development, and driving economic productivity.
The conference will focus on four priority areas to strengthen childcare systems across Africa, including (i) policy options and financing models, (ii) workforce development, (iii) service quality and standards, and (iv) cross-sectoral approaches and scalable delivery models. A key outcome of the conference will be the Sal Commitments for reform actions identified by each participating government to:
- Expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare services.
- Strengthen childcare policies and workforce development programs.
- Invest in sustainable financing models and cross-sectoral partnerships.
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WHAT: High-level Conference on Childcare in Africa
WHO: Government ministers, policymakers, technical experts, development partners, international experts, private sector representatives, and other distinguished personalities.
WHEN: May 12 – 14, 2025
WHERE: Hilton Resort, Sal, Cabo Verde
