Despite the recognized benefits of quality childcare in promoting socio-economic development, many countries in West Africa face significant challenges in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare services. Yet, the economic and social returns from investing in childcare are undeniable.
By hosting the conference on “Empowering Childcare in West Africa: Challenges and Opportunities”, the Government of Cabo Verde aims to bring together policymakers and experts to share knowledge, collaborate on solutions, and set the foundation for meaningful, sustainable improvements in childcare across West Africa.
The conference focused on four key themes critical to advancing childcare systems: Policy options and Financing Models, Workforce Development, Service Quality & Standards, and Cross-Sectoral Approaches and Scalable Delivery Models, with an overarching emphasis on affordable, sustainable, and inclusive delivery models.
In addition to discussions, workshops, and panel sessions, the conference culminated in the issuance of the Sal Commitments—a joint pledge to improve childcare policies and services.
Participants left with actionable strategies to implement in their respective countries, aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of childcare services to benefit children, families, and economies.
- Overview
- AGENDA
- BUILDING BLOCKS
- PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
- RELATED
WHEN: May 12-14, 2025
WHERE: Sal, Cabo Verde
Day 1: Monday 12 May 2025 |
|
08:15 - 09:00 am |
Participant registration |
09:00 - 10:30 am |
Opening and Welcome |
10:30 - 11:00 am |
Coffee break |
11:00 - 12:00 pm |
Session 1: Benefits of childcare and current global status |
12:00 - 12:10 pm |
Keynote Address: Why Cabo Verde Invests in Childcare |
12:10 - 12:30 pm |
Session 2: Why do we invest in childcare? |
12:30 - 01:30 pm |
Lunch |
01:30 - 03:15 pm |
Session 3: Different Entry Points for Childcare - Inspiring Examples from the Region |
03:15 - 04:00 pm |
Cross Country Learning Exchanges |
03:15 - 04:00 pm |
Ministerial Conclave |
04:00 - 04:30 pm |
Coffee Break |
04:30 - 05:15 pm |
Cross Country Learning Exchanges (continued) |
07:00 - 09:00 pm |
Dinner |
Day 2: Tuesday 13 May 2025 |
|
09:00 - 10:30 am |
Session 4: Policy Options to Expand Access to Childcare and Approaches to Financing |
10:30 - 11:00 am |
Coffee Break |
11:00 - 11:10 am |
Keynote address: Multi-Sectoral Collaboration and Early Childhood Development |
11:10 - 12:30 pm |
Session 5: Quality Assurance Systems for Effective Delivery of Childcare |
12:30 - 01:30 pm |
Lunch |
01:30 - 03:00 pm |
Session 6: Strengthening the Childcare Workforce |
03:00 - 03:30 pm |
Coffee Break |
03:30 - 04:15 pm |
Country Delegations: Next Steps on Childcare |
04:15 - 04:30 pm |
Conference Reflections |
04:30 - 05:30 pm |
Closing Ceremony |
Day 3: Wednesday May 14 2025 |
|
08:00 - 10:30 am |
Childcare Site Visits (optional) |
The conference will focus on four core themes critical to advancing childcare in West Africa:
- Policy options and Financing Models: Exploring fiscally prudent and market-friendly models for financing childcare, in partnership with the private sector, and addressing barriers to access for marginalized and low-income families.
- Workforce Development: Identifying pathways to build a qualified workforce, considering staffing pipelines, training, certification of skills, and promoting decent work with career growth opportunities.
- Service Quality & Standards: Discussing modern curricula, pedagogy, and high-quality content for childcare programs to ensure effective early childhood education.
- Cross-Sectoral Approaches and Scalable Delivery Models: Establishing feasible quality standards, supervision, monitoring, and regulatory frameworks to ensure consistent, high-quality childcare.
Additionally, the conference will address affordable and sustainable delivery models, leveraging existing programs, private and third-sector involvement, and strategies for vulnerable populations, especially in fragile settings.
| Burkina Faso | Guinea-Bissau |
| Cameroon | Liberia |
| Cabo Verde | Mauritania |
| Chad | Niger |
| Congo Rep. | Nigeria |
| Cote d'Ivoire | Senegal |
| Gambia | Sierra Leone |
| Ghana | Togo |
Date: May 12 - 14, 2025
Location: Sal, Cabo Verde