The Case for Action
Why Childcare Matters
Across Africa, more than 90 million children under the age of five require safe and nurturing care. At the same time, millions of women depend on reliable childcare to remain economically active. Childcare is not only a social service — it is critical economic infrastructure.
Early Childhood Development
Improved cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes during the most critical years of life.
Women’s Economic Participation
Enables mothers and caregivers to work, earn, and advance economically.
Business Productivity
Reduces absenteeism and improves workforce stability for employers.
Childcare Entrepreneurship
Creates dignified jobs and supports local childcare enterprises.
Economic Growth
Strengthens national economies through higher labour participation and human capital development.
Our Mission
Strengthening childcare systems so women, children, and communities thrive
Uthabiti Africa exists to accelerate quality, affordable childcare for all. We work with governments, practitioners, and partners to reform systems, unlock livelihoods—especially for women—and build lasting social impact across the continent. Through Uthabiti Africa Foundation, we also channel community programmes that turn policy into lived change.
On the Ground
Our Work in Action
From continental forums to county stakeholder convenings, we strengthen childcare systems by bringing together governments, workers, funders, and communities.
Building leadership and peer learning across the Women in Childcare network.
Elevating childcare entrepreneurs and frontline workers in policy conversations.
Forging partnerships that align governments, funders, and civil society.
Mobilising champions who advance quality, affordable childcare for all.
Convening communities and stakeholders to drive local childcare solutions.
Hosting forums that turn evidence and practice into shared action.
Our Ecosystem
Uthabiti’s Ecosystem & Engagement
We operate at the intersection of policy, practice, and lived experience—bringing together the full spectrum of actors required to build strong, inclusive childcare systems across Africa.
Governments
National and sub-national governments shaping childcare policy, regulation, and public investment.
NGOs
Civil society organisations delivering childcare services, advocacy, and community-based solutions.
Private Sector
Employers and businesses advancing workplace childcare and care-friendly employment models.
Funders
Philanthropic organisations, development partners, and investors catalysing sustainable childcare financing.
Workers
Childcare workers, domestic workers, and caregivers at the frontline of the care economy.
Our Expertise
What We Do
We deliver impact across five strategic pillars that strengthen childcare systems, unlock women’s economic participation, and support sustainable development across Africa.
Policy & Systems Strengthening
Designing national childcare policies, regulatory frameworks, and system-wide reforms with governments and partners.
Program Design & Institutional Support
Supporting NGOs and institutions to design, scale, and manage high-quality childcare programs.
Workplace Childcare Solutions
Helping employers create inclusive, productive environments for working parents.
Inclusive Funding Mechanisms
Enabling funders to deploy capital that reaches high-potential childcare organisations.
Innovation & Ecosystem Building
Designing and scaling catalytic models that strengthen Africa’s childcare ecosystem.
Our Achievements So Far
Join Us in Shaping Africa's Childcare Future
Be part of the movement transforming childcare systems across the continent.
Contact Us