Challenge
Africa is the only continent where 70% of the population is under 30. By 2035, over 400 million young people will reach working age. Yet 86% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to quality education. Education innovations funded by donors frequently remain pilot projects without clear routes to widespread adoption. Governments with limited resources struggle to prioritize scaling these interventions. When donor funding ends, programs typically cease before achieving meaningful systemic impact.
Solution
Elimu-Soko operates as an African NGO driving government-led education transformation. The organization connects government objectives with validated innovators using Results-Based Investments through:
- Deep knowledge of government priorities, processes, and constraints
- Strong understanding of the education innovation ecosystem
- Evidence-based, user-centered solutions with demonstrated impact
The approach leverages experience partnering with African governments and education systems to convert pilot successes into nationally-owned programs.
Impact
Rwanda initiatives improved foundational learning for 18,000 students, 260 teachers, and 40 school leaders. Literacy proficiency increased from 19% to 46%; numeracy from 18% to 54%. Rwanda's government approved national scaling.
Zanzibar reached 20,000 students, 200 teachers across 40 schools with literacy proficiency rising from 6% to 34% and numeracy from 5% to 45%.
Expansion planned in Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.