South Africa is stepping up to lead a push for universal early childhood development. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent announcement at the Bana Pele 2030 Summit in March 2025 marks a potential turning point for early childhood education worldwide. He emphasises that investing in early childhood development extends beyond education—it’s about nurturing future generations who will drive economic and social progress. Under the G20 theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” South Africa is uniquely placed to show how early childhood care can tackle unemployment, inequality, and poverty.
South Africa’s strategy, detailed by Ilifa Labantwana, SmartStart, and Theirworld, aims to unite stakeholders behind three transformative goals: universal access to quality primary healthcare, universal preschool education, and universal family support through affordable childcare and benefits. Read more here.
This approach provides a blueprint for other nations. Globally, millions of children lack access to necessary childcare and preschool. Investing in early childhood care can yield benefits far beyond the costs. Increased investment could boost workforce participation, especially among women.
The 2025 Budget reflects South Africa’s commitment with significant investments:
- R10 billion for expanding childhood development support.
- R210 million for infrastructure.
- R131 million for digitising administration.
- A 70% increase in nutrition funding.
Equitable access relies heavily on financial investment and effective societal solutions. The 2030 Strategy presents a comprehensive plan for achieving universal access through collaborative partnerships.
Under the guidance of South Africa, there is a strong appeal for the G20 to acknowledge early childhood investment as a cornerstone of sustainable development. By bringing together global stakeholders, South Africa is forging a path toward a more equitable and thriving future.
