AU hosts childcare conference

 

Richard Muponde

Zimpapers Politics Hub

THE African Union (AU) today opened the Africa Conference on Childcare at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together governments, civil society, private sector leaders and international organisations to accelerate progress on quality and inclusive childcare across the continent.

Held under the theme “Building Partnerships for Accelerating Action Towards Quality and Inclusive Childcare in Africa”, the three-day conference comes as Africa faces surging childcare needs amid its booming youth population.

With over 650 million children in 2021 and projections reaching 1 billion by 2055, experts warn that investment in childcare has become an urgent developmental priority.

“The time to act is now,” said Her Excellency, Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.

“We must build strong, inclusive childcare systems that support children’s development and enable women’s full participation in the workforce.”

Organised by the AU Commission’s Department of Health in partnership with the Africa Early Childhood Network, the conference seeks to galvanise political commitment, cross-sector collaboration and sustainable funding for early childhood development (ECD).

“We are here to strengthen partnerships and share proven models that work,” said AU on its website.

“If Africa is to benefit from its demographic dividend, investing in childcare must be central to our agenda.”

The event also aligns with Agenda 2063, Agenda 2040, and the Sustainable Development Goals, with expected outcomes including renewed financial pledges, enhanced collaboration, and a strong continental call to scale up ECD efforts.