The Africa Early Childhood Network (AfECN), UNICEF, WHO, ECDAN, and partners, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, successfully launched the Africa Country Profiles for Early Childhood Development (ECD) Countdown to 2030 during CPHIA 2025 under track 6 entitled: Women and youth in Africa: Driving health and innovation. This high-level launch brought together leading experts, policymakers, and development partners to highlight data-driven strategies and investments that can transform early childhood outcomes by fostering stronger multi-sectoral action while sensitizing the AU Member States, partners, and stakeholders to the importance of data-driven, innovative regional approaches for tracking and accelerating progress in early childhood development across the continent.

The session opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Linda Richter, Board Member of the Africa Early Childhood Network, followed by statements from Ms. Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, and Dr. Tajudeen Raji, Deputy Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Prof. Richter also presented the Global and Regional Overview on Early Childhood Development, setting the stage for the presentation of the Africa Country Profiles for ECD by Ms. Juliana Seleti, Regional Coordinator of AfECN. The profiles provide a comprehensive, country-specific snapshot of progress toward the Nurturing Care Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals, serving as a key accountability and planning tool for governments and partners.

Highlighting the critical role of research in shaping action, Prof. Mark Tomlinson, Professor of Maternal and Child Health at Stellenbosch University, presented on “From Science to Action”, emphasizing how evidence must inform policy and practice to strengthen systems that support young children and their caregivers.

A dynamic panel discussion followed under the theme “From Data to Systems Strengthening”. Dr. Lesley Bamford, Acting Chief Director for Child and Maternal Health at the South African Department of Health, shared how data on young children has guided South Africa’s national strategies to improve child survival and development. Mr. Ben Hewitt, Global Lead for the Act for Early Years campaign, spoke about how civil society can leverage the ECD Country Profiles to advocate for increased accountability and financing for early childhood programs.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Etleva Kadilli officially launched the Africa Country Profiles for Early Childhood Development Countdown to 2030, reaffirming UNICEF’s continued partnership with the African Union and regional stakeholders to ensure that every child in Africa can reach their full potential.

“These profiles provide an essential tool for governments to track progress, identify gaps, and align investments toward ensuring that every child in Africa survives, thrives, and achieve their full potential,” said Ms. Kadilli.

The launch marks a significant milestone in advancing Africa’s commitments under the Agenda 2063 and the Africa Health Strategy 2016–2030, reinforcing the continent’s dedication to nurturing human capital from the earliest years of life.

For more information contact:

Derrick Oduck Ochuot | | African Union Commission | E-mail: OchuotD@africanunion.org

Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: Ochiengj@africanunion.org