Human capital report shows damning picture on Africa’s social spending

Governments in Africa have come under scrutiny for their allocation of social spending, with a recent report from UNICEF and the Learning for Well-being Institute revealing a stark imbalance in investment between older children and the youngest in society. The data suggests that African countries are neglecting the critical early years of child development, potentially hindering the long-term growth and prosperity of the continent. Sarah Hague, a Social Policy Expert from UNICEF, highlighted the concerning findings in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. According to Hague, the majority of social spending in Africa is directed towards older children, with limited resources allocated to infants and toddlers. In fact, only 6.5% of total spending is earmarked for children aged 0 to 5, while a staggering 55% goes to older children. This skewed distribution stands in stark contrast to the approach taken by G20 countries, which prioritize investments in early childhood development. Hague emphasized the importance of addressing this disparity, noting that a lack of investment in the foundational years can impede a country's ability to build human capital and drive economic growth. The implications of this imbalance are far-reaching, impacting not only individual children and families but also the overall development trajectory of African nations. Key policy gaps identified in the report include the absence of family grants, limited spending on preschool education, and a lack of childcare programs in many African countries. These gaps underscore the urgent need for strategic policy interventions to realign social spending priorities and ensure a holistic approach to child development. Looking ahead, Hague called for a concerted effort to prioritize early childhood investments as budgets grow and economies evolve. She stressed the importance of implementing child benefits, expanding preschool education, and enhancing childcare support to lay a strong foundation for future generations. Drawing parallels with best practices observed in OECD countries, Hague highlighted the importance of providing income support to families with young children, emphasizing the dual benefits of improving child well-being and fostering long-term socio-economic development. As African countries navigate the complexities of social spending allocation, the call to rebalance investment across all stages of childhood remains a critical imperative for unlocking the continent's human capital potential and securing sustainable economic progress.