Rwanda will this week host the Africa Foundational Learning Exchange (FLEX) where over 30 countries are expected to be represented. This a significant step towards addressing one of the continent's most pressing challenges: the lack of quality education.

Foundational learning, which encompasses early literacy and numeracy skills, is the cornerstone of a strong educational foundation. In our context, it specifically looks at education from pre-school up to primary three.

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By prioritising these essential skills at such an early age, we can empower our children to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of our societies.

For too long, Africa has been plagued by a myriad of challenges, many of which stem from a lack of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These deficiencies have hindered our ability to innovate, adapt to change, and address complex issues. By investing in foundational learning, we can equip our young people with the tools they need to think critically, analyze information, and make informed decisions.

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It is without doubt that a well-educated and skilled workforce is essential for economic growth and development. Foundational learning provides the building blocks for higher-level learning and skills acquisition. By ensuring that our children have a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy, we can create a pipeline of talented individuals who are capable of driving innovation and economic prosperity.

As African leaders and educators gather for the Foundational Learning Exchange, it is an opportune moment to share experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches. By collaborating and learning from one another, we can accelerate progress and achieve our shared goal of providing quality education for all. It is this workforce that will then deliver the Africa we want.

Let us seize this opportunity to build a stronger, more prosperous, and more equitable Africa by investing in foundational learning, we are investing in our future.