From Programmes to a Movement

From October 2025 to January 2026, the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) and partners will launch four new outcomes funds in Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Together, these new outcomes funds will mobilise over $85 million to support education initiatives led by governments and backed by public, philanthropic, and impact investors.  

These funds mark a shift in the use of outcomes-based financing in education—moving from individual pilot projects to broader policy-level implementation. Each programme starts with governments in the lead and children at the centre, and the design encourages innovation, accountability, and collaboration. 

Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming: 

Rwanda

Outcomes fund for Early Childhood Care and Education

4 years | 25,000 children | Focus on Disability-Inclusion

The Government of Rwanda has made considerable progress in early childhood care and education through its national strategy and policies. But there is more work to do! Only 26% of children in Rwanda are currently enrolled in pre-primary programmes and only 12% of children currently meet learning outcomes. This is where the Rwanda outcomes fund comes in. Launches on 29 October

South Africa

Outcomes fund for Early Childhood Care and Education

3 years | 100,000 children | A New Model with Non-State Actors 

The Government of South Africa is committed to ensuring all children have access to quality early learning by age five. Despite notable progress, 1.3 million children between the ages of 3 and 5 still lack access to early learning, and nearly 30% of children are falling behind in developmental outcomes. This outcomes fund aims to expand access and improve developmental outcomes, with an eye towards systemic change across the country. Launches on 1 December

Nigeria

Outcomes fund for Basic Education 

3 years | 200,000 children | Focus on Out-of-School Children

With around 9 million primary-aged children out of school, Nigeria faces one of the world’s largest education challenges. The Government of Nigeria and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board are committed to getting out-of-school children back into the classroom. This outcomes fund will use a holistic approach to support enrolment and improve the quality of existing services. Kicks off in November

Sierra Leone

Outcomes fund for Early Childhood Care and Education 

4 years | 37,000 children | Focus on Reducing Equity Gaps | 2026 

Despite key improvements to the early childhood education sector in Sierra Leone, the majority of children aged three to five are not on track to reach their holistic development goals. The Government of Sierra Leone is committed to strengthening community-based early childhood centres so that all children can thrive. Launches in January 2026

The new programmes show that outcomes-based financing in education is gaining momentum, moving from isolated initiatives to a growing movement that puts results, innovation, and children first.