African Ministers of Education and finance convene in Malawi to take stock of progress in meeting the continental pledge to end learning poverty by 2035. The third Africa Foundational Learning Exchange opens July 15 in Lilongwe. Countries will assess progress since the landmark Declaration of Action in Kigali in 2024 and adopt new measures to improve foundational learning outcomes at scale on the continent Published on. 13 July, 2026 LILONGWE, Malawi, July 13, 2026 - More than 600 education leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, and practitioners from over 40 African countries will gather in Malawi this week for the 2026 Africa Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX2026). The three-day event opens this Wednesday, July 15, at the Bingu wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. It is the first continental convening since 2024 to take stock of the continent's shared commitment to ending learning poverty by 2035 and adopt new measures to accelerate foundational learning outcomes at scale. FLEX2026 arrives at a critical juncture. Nearly 9 out of 10 children in much of Africa cannot read and understand simple text by age 10, a crisis known as learning poverty. At the same time, official development assistance (ODA) to education is declining, public finances are under strain, and governments face growing pressure to demonstrate that investment in foundational learning is reaching classrooms, producing results, and contributing to national economic growth agendas. This third edition of FLEX gives African countries a structured opportunity to do precisely that - to move from commitment to results and accountability. "Malawi is honoured to host the Africa Foundational Learning Exchange, and we come to this moment not just as hosts but as participants who are doing the work," says Honourable Bright Msaka, Minister of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Malawi. "Through the National Reading Programme, the National Mathematics Curriculum Reform and the BEFIT programme - which is bringing technology-supported learning to thousands of schools across the country - we are making measurable progress. But we also recognise that no country has all the answers. FLEX exists precisely for this: to share what we are learning, learn from others, hold one another to account, and find the solutions that can reach every African child." Across the three-day programme, delegates will participate in Ministerial roundtables, high-level plenary discussions, technical workshops, peer-learning sessions, country spotlights, school visits, and interactive exhibitions showcasing innovative policies, programmes, technologies, and evidence-based solutions that are improving foundational learning across Africa. Discussions will follow four thematic pillars: * Data, Assessment, and Accountability; * Teaching, Learning, and Pedagogy; * Education Workforce and System Leadership; and * Governance, Alignment, Cost-Effectiveness, and Financing. Meanwhile, ADEA and UNICEF will host pre-FLEX activities on data-led decision-making and a south-south learning exchange between Africa and India. On 13th and 14th July, ADEA is convening focal points from 25 countries on its education and skills data challenge initiative (ESDC) to cross-breed learning on practical ways to entrench data-driven decision-making in Ministries of Education. Also, on 14th July, UNICEF is organising a South-South learning session between foundational learning authorities in India and Africa. The session continues previous efforts to adapt some of the experiences that yielded massive learning improvement in India. FLEX will conclude on Friday, the 17th, with the presentation and adoption of the FLEX2026 resolutions. "What makes this platform unique is that it was instituted and led by African countries, for African countries. Governments come together not simply to exchange ideas but to examine evidence, assess progress against shared commitments, and strengthen the systems that deliver better learning outcomes. As the organising institution of FLEX, ADEA is proud to support our member countries with a trusted platform where they can learn from one another, build lasting partnerships, and accelerate reforms that will help fulfil the commitment to end learning poverty by 2035 and achieve their national education goals," says Albert Nsengiyumva, Executive Secretary of ADEA. FLEX was established as an African-led platform for peer learning, policy dialogue, and mutual accountability on foundational learning. The inaugural exchange was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2023, and the second edition was held in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2024, where 34 African Ministers of Education adopted the Declaration of Action, committing their countries to work collectively towards ending learning poverty in Africa within the decade through stronger political leadership, sustained investment, and the scaling of evidence-based reforms. Beyond the 2025 ADEA Triennale, FLEX2026 marks the first continental opportunity for participating countries to assess progress against those commitments, exchange lessons from implementation, and define new ambitions for addressing challenges impeding progress towards fully meeting the five actions from Kigali and sustaining momentum over the coming decade. The event also advances Africa's broader education agenda, contributing to the implementation of the African Union's Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2026-2035 (CESA 26-35), achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), and 2025 ADEA Triennale recommendations that call for translating policy commitments into measurable improvements in learning. The Government of Malawi is hosting this event, organized by ADEA, in partnership with the African Union, UNICEF, World Bank, Human Capital Africa, Imagine Worldwide, Luminos Fund, Prevail Fund, Federer Foundation, Hempel Foundation, Gates Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation. Together, these institutions are supporting African countries to strengthen foundational learning through evidence-informed policies, peer learning, stronger implementation, and sustained political commitment. Official event information, registration, and media accreditation are available at flex2026.adeanet.org. Key references Media contacts * FLEX2026 Communications Sub-Committee | Chinedu Ejike Anarado | [email protected] * MoEST Malawi Public Relations Unit: [Lily Kampani - [email protected]] * Africa Practice: Joslyne Muthoni | [email protected] * Speak Up Africa: Ousmane Toure | [email protected] Subscription.

Agrisiti, Mastercard Foundation, partners celebrate emerging agripreneurs at AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition. July 4, 2026 Agrisiti, in collaboration with Tagdev 2.0, the University of Port Harcourt, RuForum (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully concluded the AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition, crowning outstanding youth-led agribusiness ventures from across Nigeria and marking the culmination of the Agrisiti Hybrid Digital Training on Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills Programme. The competition brought together some of the programme's most promising participants, who spent 12 weeks developing practical skills in agribusiness, climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, employability, and business innovation within the rice and aquaculture value chains. -Advertisement- Speaking on the programme's impact, Agrisiti Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Ante, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to building the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. -Advertisement- -Advertisement- "Its commitment to empowering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs remains unwavering. Through strategic partnerships, mentorship, and access to opportunities, AF24News is equipping young people with the tools they need to build successful agribusinesses and contribute meaningfully to food security and economic development. "The success of these participants reinforces our belief in the potential of youth to transform agriculture across Africa," Ante added. Designed to equip young people with the knowledge, networks, and confidence required to thrive in agriculture, the programme engaged 3,591 youths across Ogun, Enugu, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Kano, and Niger States through a combination of digital learning, mentorship, practical demonstrations, field immersion, and business development activities. At the AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition, participating teams presented innovative business solutions addressing challenges and opportunities across the rice and aquaculture value chains. Their ideas were assessed on innovation, feasibility, market potential, sustainability, team capability, and social impact. Across the seven participating states, several outstanding ventures emerged as state champions. These included Green Coal Initiative in Niger State, AgroAqua Innovators in Ogun State, Aqua Drift in Bayelsa State, RIV Farm in Rivers State, Agri Nourisha Limited in Enugu State, AgroFusion in Cross River State, and Egodinula Farms & General Enterprises in Kano State. The winning teams showcased innovative approaches spanning rice production, aquaculture, fish processing, value addition, agribusiness services, and climate smart farming practices. Cash prizes and seed capital awards, were given to the winning teams with access to mentorship opportunities, business advisory support, ecosystem partnerships, and connections that will help accelerate the growth of their enterprises beyond the programme. According to the Chief Executive Officer, the programme was developed in response to growing concerns around youth unemployment, food insecurity, and declining participation in agriculture despite the sector's immense potential for economic growth. Ante explained that by combining technical training with entrepreneurship development, employability support, mentorship, and real-world exposure, the initiative seeks to position agriculture as a viable and attractive pathway for young people. Participants completed online learning modules, participated in team-based agribusiness projects, attended practical demonstrations and field immersion activities, and received mentorship support to refine business concepts and career pathways. Many participants also developed investor-ready business models and strengthened their professional readiness for employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. Beyond the competition, programme partners remain committed to supporting participants through continued access to mentorship, business incubation opportunities, industry networks, and employment pathways. As Africa's youth population continues to expand, initiatives such as the Agrisiti Hybrid Digital Training on Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills Programme demonstrate the critical role of partnerships in creating sustainable livelihoods, strengthening food systems, and unlocking young people's potential to drive inclusive economic growth. Agrisiti Nigeria Ltd is a digital agritech company delivering integrated urban farming, education, and hardware solutions that empower people to grow food sustainably for livelihood and subsistence. -Advertisement-

Young women Lead digital revolution at Refactory Academy's 2026 Solutions Expo. Young women innovators have taken centre stage at Refactory Academy's 2nd Digital Solutions Expo 2026 in Nakawa, showcasing locally built technologies aimed at solving Uganda's pressing challenges and underscoring the growing role of female talent in driving the country's digital economy. Young women innovators took centre stage at Refactory Academy's 2nd Digital Solutions Expo 2026, showcasing home-grown digital solutions designed to address some of Uganda's most pressing challenges while highlighting the expanding role of women in shaping the country's digital future. The expo was held at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa under the theme "Tech Made in Uganda - Built Live!", bringing together developers, employers, policymakers, innovators and industry leaders to explore how technology can drive economic transformation and create employment opportunities for Uganda's youth. The event featured participants under the 10X Program, with young women developing and presenting digital solutions in agriculture, tourism, energy and digital public infrastructure. Through live demonstrations, they showcased technologies aimed at solving real-world problems while creating opportunities for business growth and job creation. Topics you might like. Speaking at the event, Refactory Academy Executive Director Michael Niyitegeka emphasized the importance of industry-led apprenticeship programmes in preparing young people for the labour market. "The apprenticeship program takes real industry challenges and converts them into solutions built by Refactory learners. We are closing the transition gap between training and employment, and many of our apprentices have been retained by the companies where they were placed," Niyitegeka said. He noted that although Uganda's technology sector is growing rapidly, gaps remain in structured pathways for developing tech talent, making platforms such as the Digital Solutions Expo critical for linking learners to industry opportunities. The expo featured nearly 70 market-ready digital solutions developed by Refactory Academy alumni and apprentices, reflecting the expanding innovation ecosystem within Uganda's digital sector. According to Ivan Koreta Katumba, Apprenticeship Lead at Refactory Academy, the event has become a key platform for showcasing and nurturing local innovation. "This is the second time we are hosting the Digital Solutions Expo, and we have learned that there are many locally created digital solutions but very few platforms to showcase and nurture them," Katumba said. He added that the event attracted major industry players, including MTN MoMo Uganda and Equity Bank, who engaged directly with innovators on collaboration, recruitment and investment opportunities. Delivering the keynote address, Jemima Kariuki, Chief Product Officer at MTN MoMo Uganda Ltd, challenged the ecosystem to move beyond innovation and focus on scaling locally developed solutions. "The question is no longer whether Uganda can innovate. The question is whether we can scale local solutions from ideas into platforms that create national and global impact," Kariuki said. "Uganda has the talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. What we need now is the ambition to build solutions that serve millions." The expo was structured around three key pillars, including a women-led BuildFest where female teams developed functional digital prototypes addressing sector-specific challenges. The Project Discovery Zone connected businesses with technical teams to co-develop solutions, while the Talent Lounge linked employers with pre-screened digital talent for recruitment opportunities. The Digital Solutions Expo forms part of the broader 10X Program implemented by Outbox Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aimed at expanding digital skills and employment opportunities for young women, refugees and persons with disabilities. The programme targets hundreds of thousands of young women across Uganda, with tens of thousands expected to access new or improved work opportunities in the digital economy. As Uganda advances its digital transformation agenda, the Expo highlighted a growing reality: young women are not only participating in the tech sector but increasingly shaping its direction and future. What's your take on this story? Five-star summer memories in Punta Cana.Not all memories feel the same. At Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, yours include waking up to the Caribbean Sea, dining under the stars, and the privilege of having everything taken care of.Palladium Hotel Group | Sponsored Jungle, cenote, spa. This summer, in any order, anytime.Morning dip in a cenote. Evening show at BRAVO Dinner & Dance. And in between, jungle, beach, and anything you can imagine. An all-inclusive summer at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts.Palladium Hotel Group | Sponsored