Education stakeholders gathered in Nairobi on March 10, 2026, for the unveiling of Vision 2040: Strong Foundations for Lasting Change and the rebranding of Zizi Afrique Foundation to Mizizi Elimu Afrika.
The new identity marks a fresh phase for the African-led organisation, which focuses on improving learning outcomes and ensuring children and youth acquire essential skills needed to succeed in school and life.
The rebrand reflects the organisation’s broader ambition to support more equitable and effective education systems across Africa.
The name “Mizizi,” meaning roots or foundations, underscores the organisation’s focus on foundational learning.
This includes early literacy, numeracy, life skills and values that enable learners to develop the competencies necessary for future academic and personal success.
The launch comes at a time when concerns remain over learning outcomes in Kenya. Data from Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) shows that more than half of candidates scored D+ or below in mathematics during the 2024 KCSE examinations.
This comes even as the country’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) targets at least 60 percent of learners pursuing STEM-related pathways.
Education experts say weak foundational literacy and numeracy skills in early grades often contribute to such performance gaps.
Through the Vision 2040 strategic blueprint, Mizizi Elimu Afrika aims to strengthen foundational learning systems through research, policy engagement and partnerships across the continent.
The strategy targets improved foundational learning outcomes for at least 10 million children across Africa by 2040 while building a stronger African-led ecosystem for education reform.
The plan focuses on three major areas: strengthening foundational learning in classrooms and communities, improving accountability within education systems, and building collaborative partnerships that support long-term education transformation.
According to CEO John Mugo, foundational skills play a crucial role in shaping children’s futures. He noted that when learners develop strong reading, numeracy and life skills early in life, they gain the confidence and ability to navigate opportunities and challenges later in life.
During the event, the organisation also reflected on progress made between 2021 and 2025, a period in which it supported education systems in East Africa through research, advocacy, innovation and partnerships.
As Mizizi Elimu Afrika begins its next strategic phase, the organisation is calling on governments, educators, civil society and development partners to work together to strengthen foundational learning systems and expand access to quality education across the continent.
