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Empowering Childcare in West Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

May 12-14, 2025
Sal, Cabo Verde
Empowering Childcare in West Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

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 will focus 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 will culminate in the issuance of the Sal Commitments—a joint pledge to improve childcare policies and services.

Participants will leave 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.

Day 1: Monday 12 May 2024

08.30 - 09.00 am

Participant registration 

09:00 - 10:30 am

Welcome 

10:30 - 11:00 am

Coffee break

11:00 - 12:00 pm  

Session 1: Introduction to the benefits of childcare and the current status 

12:00 - 12:30 pm

What childcare means to me   

12:30 - 01:30 pm

Lunch 

01:30 - 03:15 pm

Session 2: Inspiring examples from the region of leveraging various sectoral entry points   

03:15 - 04:00 pm

Country Carousels/Country Clinics with Experts

04:00 - 04:30 pm

Coffee Break 

04:30 - 05:15 pm

Countries meet within their delegations 

07:00 - 08:30 pm

Dinner

  

Day 2: Tuesday 13 May 2024 

07:00 - 08:00 am 

Optional yoga or exercise or walk 

09:00 - 10:30 am

Session 3: Policy and financing options  

10:30 - 11:00 am

Coffee Break

11:00 - 12:30 pm 

Session 4: Quality assurance systems for effective delivery

12:30 - 01:30 pm 

Lunch

01:30 - 03:00 pm

Session 5: Building the workforce 

03:00 - 03:30 pm 

Coffee Break

03:30 - 04:30 pm

Countries meet within their delegations 

04:30 - 05:30 pm 

Session 6: Reflections and what next 

 

 

Day 3: Wednesday May 14 2024

08:00 - 10:30 am

Site Visits (Optional)