The Government of Cabo Verde is set to host a significant regional conference titled "Empowering Childcare in West Africa: Challenges and Opportunities." This event will take place from May 12 to 14, 2025, at the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort.
The World Bank is facilitating this gathering, which aims to unite policymakers, technical experts, private sector representatives, and development partners from across West Africa. The objective is to exchange knowledge, develop actionable strategies, and enhance collaboration on childcare policy and service delivery.
Childcare is seen as a catalyst for economic growth, social equity, women's economic empowerment, and human capital development. As the demand for quality childcare services increases in Africa, governments are urged to explore scalable, sustainable, and inclusive solutions that support working families while enhancing early childhood development and driving economic productivity.
The conference will concentrate on four priority areas to strengthen childcare systems across Africa: policy options and financing models; workforce development; service quality and standards; and cross-sectoral approaches with scalable delivery models. A key outcome will be the Sal Commitments—reform actions identified by each participating government aimed at expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare services; strengthening childcare policies and workforce development programs; and investing in sustainable financing models alongside cross-sectoral partnerships.