Transforming Childcare Across Africa, Faster
Uthabiti Africa Advisory Services strengthens childcare systems across the continent. We combine data, research, innovation, and strategic partnerships to unlock the full potential of Africa’s children, women, and economies. Our expertise spans childcare policy and regulatory reforms, groundbreaking research, and catalytic initiatives such as MamaPlus and the Collaborative Action for Childcare—all designed to create lasting, scalable impact.
Why Childcare Matters
Childcare is Continental Imperative:
Across Africa, more than 90 million children under age five require safe and nurturing care. Meanwhile, millions of women depend on childcare to remain economically active. Investment in childcare leads to:
- Better early childhood development outcomes.
- Increased female labour participation.
- Improved productivity for businesses.
- New opportunities for childcare entrepreneurs.
- Strengthened national economies.
Catalytic Initiatives
Across these initiatives, Uthabiti Africa serves as a backbone organization, a convener, a capacity builder, a movement catalyst, and a systems reform partner. Together, these roles allow us to nurture a stronger, more equitable childcare ecosystem—one that uplifts women, supports families, and ensures every African child has the foundation to thrive.
COLLABORATIVE ACTION FOR CHILDCARE
a multi-stakeholder pan-African platform that convenes policymakers, funders, practitioners, and communities to co-create solutions and accelerate childcare reform across Africa
NETWORK FOR WOMEN IN CHILDCARE
a growing movement amplifying the voices and leadership of women in childcare, offering peer learning, advocacy spaces, and professional development opportunities
MAMA PLUS
an innovative model that strengthens women-owned childcare micro-enterprises through training, certification, business support, and collective centers that enhance quality and sustainability
COLLABORATIVE SACCO
a financial inclusion platform providing savings, credit, and financial literacy services tailored to childcare workers and micro-entrepreneurs.
Uthabiti’s ecosystem & Engagement
Governments
NGOs
Private Sector
Funders
Workers
What We Do
We deliver impact across five strategic pillars
Policy & Systems Strengthening
We partner with governments and non-state actors to design comprehensive childcare policies, regulatory frameworks, and national strategies.
Program Design & Institutional Support
We equip NGOs and community organisations with the expertise to design, scale, and manage high-quality childcare programs.
Workplace Childcare Solutions
We support businesses to create safe, inclusive, and productive environments for working parents.
Inclusive Funding Mechanisms
We help donors deploy funds that reach high-potential African childcare organisations.
Innovation & Ecosystem Building
We design, test, and scale catalytic childcare models across the continent.
Childcare as a Triple Impact Engine to
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR
Since 2019, Uthabiti Africa has played a catalytic role in shaping and strengthening childcare systems across Africa. Our achievements reflect our commitment to data-driven transformation, multi-sector collaboration, and the elevation of childcare as a continental development and economic priority.
Built the Foundation for Africa’s Childcare Ecosystem Movement
- Established the first organisation dedicated to childcare systems strengthening in Africa – Uthabitii
- Created a knowledge base that reframed childcare as an economic infrastructure, not just a social service.
- Built multi-country networks that now influence policy and investment decisions.
Strengthened National and Sub-national Policy Frameworks
- Supported governments to design practical national childcare policies, regulations, and implementation plans.
- Provided technical expertise to multiple ministries—education, labour, gender, health at national and county level.
- Facilitated inter-agency coordination to elevate childcare as a national development priority.
Catalysed Funding Pathways for Childcare Solutions
- Established the Collaborative Action for Childcare, one of the first initiatives focused on bringing people together & mobilizing and deploying childcare-focused funds on the continent.
- Mobilised resources from philanthropic organisations, INGOs, and private sector partners.
Convened Leading Childcare Forums & Conferences
- Hosted the Africa Childcare Forum (ACFKigali2025), Africa’s premier childcare convening.
- Launched the Women in Childcare Forum to celebrate women leaders in the care economy. The first one was in 2023 and the second in 2025
- Organised annual National Childcare Conferences engaging government:
- National Policy Conference on ECCED in 2022
- Collaborative Action for Childcare Conference in 2024
Built a Strong Continental Network of Childcare Experts
- Established one of Africa’s largest childcare consultant and practitioner networks.
- Enabled cross-country learning, mentorship, and collaboration.
Generated Africa’s Most Comprehensive Childcare Data & Insights
- Produced research on childcare availability, affordability, workforce dynamics, and women’s economic empowerment.
- Conducted national and county-level assessments that have reshaped government thinking.
- Launched the first Status of Female Childcare Workers in Kenya Report 2023
Supported Childcare Workers, Domestic Workers & Providers
- Trained hundreds of childcare workers, domestic workers, and childcare entrepreneurs.
- Strengthened childcare centres through training on quality, safety, business skills, and ECD practices.
- Piloted financial inclusion, leadership, and psychosocial support interventions for childcare workers.
Launched High-Impact Ecosystem Initiatives
- Collaborative Action for Childcare – a multi-sector platform for innovation and systems change.
- Mamaplus (Training and Support Centre) – an innovative workforce development initiative in Kenya and the continent. It is designed as a place-based and digital platform for training, registration, and parent engagement.
- Collaborative SACCO – a savings and credit model designed for childcare and domestic workers.
- Network for Women in Childcare – an 11,000 member network that is building collective power for frontline caregivers with voice and influence.
Influenced National & Global Care Economy Conversations
- Contributed to major continental and global policy dialogues on childcare and women’s economic empowerment.
- Positioned childcare as a key lever for workforce participation and economic growth.
- Partnered with global institutions to advance childcare on strategic agendas.
Established Uthabiti as the Partner of Choice
- Trusted by governments, funders, NGOs, and private sector players.
- Recognised for evidence-driven insights, practical solutions, and collaborative leadership.
Join Us in Shaping Africa's Childcare Future
Be part of the movement transforming childcare systems across the continent.