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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¡ªa 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 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)