TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)
Background and Rational: Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) is widely recognized as the foundation for lifelong learning, human capital development, and socio-economic transformation. Evidence consistently demonstrates that investments in early childhood yield some of the highest returns in education systems, improving learning outcomes, health, social cohesion, and productivity throughout the life course. Across Africa, however, access to quality ECED services remains uneven. While several Member States have adopted national early childhood policies and programmes, significant disparities persist in access, quality, financing, teacher preparation, curriculum standards, and governance structures. Many countries also face challenges related to:
Fragmented policy frameworks and institutional coordination.
Insufficient investment and sustainable financing mechanisms.
Limited professional standards and training pathways for ECED educators.
Weak monitoring systems and data availability.
Inequities affecting children in rural areas, conflict-affected settings, and vulnerable communities.
The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2026–2035) recognizes early childhood development as a critical entry point for improving foundational learning and strengthening education systems across the continent. In parallel, the AU Decade of Education and Skills Development (2025–2034) emphasizes building strong learning foundations and strengthening human capital development pathways across the life cycle. In this context, the African Union Commission (AUC), through the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), in collaboration with the African Early Childhood Network (AfECN), seeks to develop a Continental Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Framework to guide Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and partners in strengthening early childhood systems across Africa.
The framework will provide continental policy guidance, standards, and strategic priorities to support Member States in designing and implementing integrated, inclusive, and high-quality ECED systems aligned with CESA 26–35 and Agenda 2063 aspirations.
To support this process, the African Union Commission seeks to engage a qualified consultant (or consultancy firm) to lead the development of the Continental ECED Framework through a consultative and evidence-based process.
Objective of the Consultancy: The overall objective of the consultancy is to develop a comprehensive Continental Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Framework for Africa that provides strategic guidance, standards, and implementation pathways to support Member States in strengthening early childhood education systems in alignment with CESA 2026–2035 and the AU Decade of Education and Skills Development (2025–2034).