This document presents key insights from the inaugural AFLAI convening held in Nairobi, Kenya. Supported by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the University of Cape Town’s DataFirst AFLearn Hub, and the Gates Foundation, AFLAI aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of foundational learning data across Africa. The initiative seeks to build a unified network of African institutions that provide technical leadership and support to Ministries of Education in developing sustainable assessment systems.

During the convening, representatives from various African Ministries emphasized five core priorities: improving data use and communication; establishing context-relevant benchmarks; strengthening assessment planning and capacity building; exploring innovations such as artificial intelligence in early learning assessments; and addressing challenges related to language and equity. Participants highlighted the importance of locally driven, context-sensitive approaches and the need to build lasting national capacity rather than relying on external support.

The report concludes with a call to align regional expertise around country priorities, strengthen partnerships, and sustain momentum through continued dialogue, including future engagements at the ADEA Triennale and other collaborative platforms.