To better understand and take stock of the opportunities and challenges at the country-level in early childhood development (ECD), particularly in light of the unique COVID-19 context, ECD Measure conducted a needs assessment with the six participating countries (Ethiopia, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia). The needs assessment was designed to gather inputs from USAID staff in Washington, DC, and Missions to further inform planning for Together for Early Childhood Evidence activities. The following key themes emerged from the needs assessment:

• ECD is a priority area for USAID Missions in each of the six focus countries.
• Countries face multiple challenges, especially related to early childhood education (ECE) access and availability of data.
• There is a strong desire and need to improve inter-sectoral coordination.
• USAID Missions need a clear entry point to support the government; increasing the quality of ECE is seen as one potential opportunity.
• Countries need more data, ECE technical expertise and funding to execute their work.

Building on the findings from the needs assessment, Together for Early Childhood Evidence will work to build on and support emerging ECE activities in the six countries. This work aims to support USAID’s broader commitment to increasing investments and programming in ECE and building capacity within USAID Missions to engage in early childhood work in Africa.

More information on these key themes and the identified areas for technical assistance can be found in the Needs Assessment Summary.