The third Africa Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX2026) has placed action at the centre of discussions, as African countries review progress and identify practical measures to improve foundational learning outcomes and end learning poverty by 2035.

In an interview on Thursday in Lilongwe during the conference Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Bright Msaka SC, said foundational learning is too important for governments to rely only on external support, stressing that commitment must begin with countries that own the programmes.

He said governments must demonstrate their commitment through increased domestic financing, adding that national budgets should reflect the importance of foundational learning.

Msaka said while development partners would continue supporting efforts to improve learning outcomes, African countries must take the lead by prioritising resources towards ensuring children acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills at an early age. He described FLEX2026 as one of the major education platforms bringing together key stakeholders to discuss solutions for improving learning across the continent.

Meanwhile, Malawi’s Minister of Finance, Joseph Mwanamveka, said the government remains committed to ensuring that children have access to quality education. He said Malawi would continue prioritising education financing, particularly investments aimed at strengthening foundational learning.

The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education in the Republic of Gambia Dr Habibatou Drammeh said since the launch of FLEX in 2023, the platform has renewed conversations on foundational learning, with education ministers making commitments towards ending learning poverty.

She called for stronger collaboration between education and finance ministers to increase domestic investment while ensuring education resources are used efficiently to improve learning outcomes for every African child

More than 600 education leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners and practitioners from over 40 African countries are gathering in Malawi for FLEX2026. The event is being hosted by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) in partnership with the Government of Malawi, the African Union among others