Government representatives from West Africa have concluded a regional conference by adopting the Sal Commitments on Advancing Childcare for Human Capital and Growth. This declaration emphasizes the importance of childcare in national development strategies.
The commitments were endorsed during a three-day conference titled "Empowering Childcare in West Africa: Challenges and Opportunities," held from May 12 to 14, 2025, in Sal, Cabo Verde. The event was hosted by the Government of Cabo Verde and facilitated by the World Bank. It gathered ministers, policymakers, technical experts, private sector leaders, and development partners from across the region.
The Sal Commitments recognize childcare as essential for early childhood development, gender equality, job creation, and economic productivity. They outline actions to expand access to affordable quality childcare services for underserved urban, rural, and fragile communities.
Key pledges include integrating childcare into national human capital strategies; developing inclusive models tailored to local contexts; expanding the workforce with a focus on women and youth; increasing public investment; aligning donor support with national priorities; strengthening data systems; and promoting regional knowledge exchange.
The commitments also highlight addressing gender disparities in care work to enable women's full participation in emerging sectors like digital, green, and care economies.
Governments committed to adopting or developing national childcare approaches by 2030. They also aim to increase domestic resource mobilization for early childhood care by that year. Development partners are urged to provide more concessional financing and technical support for sustainable childcare systems.
This agreement underscores childcare as crucial for inclusive growth and human capital development. It aligns with Agenda 2063's aspirations for inclusive growth centered on youth, women, and well-cared-for children.