Expert Meeting on Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) in West and Central Africa

Accelerating Early Childhood Education and Development in West and Central Africa toward 2030 and Beyond

20 - 22 January 2026

Dakar, Senegal

MEETING OVERVIEW

DAY 1: Tuesday, 20 January 2026

OPENING CEREMONY

• Dr Dimitri Sanga, Director, UNESCO Regional Office for West Africa in Dakar

• Dr Lynette Okengo, Executive Director, African Early Childhood Network (AfECN)

• Ms Sophia Ashipala, Head of Education Division, African Union (AU)

• Official opening: H.E Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, Minister of National Education, Government of Senegal

Session 1: The Science of ECED: Integrating health, nutrition, protection and early learning for resilience

Key Note Presentation: Ms Sheila Manji

SESSION 2: Setting the scene - Regional situation and international and African ECED priorities and commitments

Presentation on the regional situation regarding ECED: Mr Fata Rouane

Presentations on international and continental commitments and frameworks

• Ms Rokhaya Diawara

• Ms Sophia Ashipala

• Ms Elizabeth Gitonga

SESSION 3: Strengthening ECED systems: Diagnosing gaps and aligning country support tools and initiatives

Presentations on system thinking and enablers, diagnosis of gaps and support tools and initiatives

Ms Rokhaya Diawara

Ms Divya Lata

Dr Janet Kayita

Ms Adisa Tassa

SESSION 4: Overview of some of the key challenges affecting ECED in the region

Presentation of the key challenges in the region: Dr Yoshie Kaga

SESSION 5: Parallel sessions

Parallel Session 5.1: Climate Shocks & Environmental Stress

Parallel Session 5.2: Conflict, Displacement & Protection Risks