The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for urgent and increased investment in foundational and pre-primary education across national and sub-national budgets in Africa, stressing that early childhood development must become a central element of policy and financial planning on the continent.
Speaking in Enugu at a press briefing to commemorate the 2025 Day of the African Child, the Chief of the UNICEF Enugu Field Office, Juliet Chiluwe, represented by the Communication Officer, Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, underscored the importance of prioritising early learning as the bedrock of lifelong success. “Learning is a fundamental right of every child, regardless of background or circumstance,” she stated.
She noted that this year’s theme, *“Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,”* is a reminder for African nations to reflect on the strides made and to critically evaluate their commitments to integrating children’s rights into national plans and budgets.
UNICEF recommended that African governments allocate at least 20% of their total annual public spending to education, with a minimum of 10% of that directed specifically to early childhood education. The agency emphasized that early learning is critical for cognitive and social development, and a key determinant of future academic success.
Among UNICEF’s key recommendations are increased investment in early childhood education, enhanced policy frameworks that promote better educational outcomes at the pre-primary level, and strengthened financial commitment from both governments and other stakeholders. The agency also called for greater transparency and accountability in the budgeting process, advocating for the efficient use of education funds and the inclusion of diverse financing sources such as international aid, private sector support, and public-private partnerships.
In addition, UNICEF stressed the need to boost investment in teachers by focusing on recruitment, retention, training, and continuous professional development to improve the quality of teaching and learning across early education levels.
“We urge all stakeholders—governments, policymakers, civil society, and even children themselves—to engage in the budgeting process and hold decision-makers accountable,” Chiluwe said, adding that improving foundational learning outcomes requires not only financial investment but also inclusive governance and robust partnerships.
The Day of the African Child, marked annually on June 16, commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, where schoolchildren protesting against apartheid education policies were brutally massacred. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for children’s rights in Africa and the urgent need for action to ensure quality education for every African child.
