Location: Tanzania, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Malawi and the pan-African level.
Duration: December 2024 – December 2030
Budget: $43,745,899.00
Partner: Mastercard Foundation
Challenge/opportunity:
Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its education journey. Across the continent, access to basic education has expanded significantly. More children are entering and staying in school, and governments and partners are investing in policies aimed at improving learning outcomes.
However, achieving quality education for all learners remains a major challenge. Student success—whether in motivation, comprehension, or academic achievement—depends largely on teachers who are well-trained, pedagogically skilled, and supported to meet diverse learning needs. Yet, teacher motivation remains low in many systems. The continent also faces an acute shortage of qualified teachers, and effective school leaders are equally in short supply. Meanwhile, existing school leaders in sub-Saharan Africa remain underprepared for their roles. Too often, they are consumed by administrative duties and have limited training in instructional leadership—an area proven to have the greatest impact on learning.
Strong school leadership is essential for improving teaching and learning. Effective leaders support teachers, guide instructional practices, and ensure that school resources are used efficiently. Evidence consistently shows that quality school leadership and sound school management are closely linked to improved learning outcomes. In fact, improved leadership is identified as a critical lever for strengthening the quality of education workforce and building more resilient education systems.
Developing school leaders through targeted training, mentorship, and coaching is essential for driving teaching quality and improving student learning outcomes.
In response to this need, the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL) is implementing the Lead component of the Leaders in Teaching initiative in Tanzania (ACSL–LIT–LEAD TZ). Through this initiative, ACSL will strengthen school leadership across Tanzania and provide school leadership policy advisory support in identified LIT expansion countries, and at the pan-African level. This is how we are equipping leaders with the skills and support they need to drive instructional improvement in their schools.
Goal
Our goal is to transform education across Africa by strengthening teachers and building a cadre of school leaders, who enable, transmit and impact learning. This will ensure that young people gain the 21st-century skills and competencies necessary for the world of work and lifelong learning.
Implementing partners
- ADEA – Association for de Development of Education in Africa
- ESSA – Education Sub-Sahara Africa
- VVOB – education for development
Alignment with the ACSL focus areas
- Policy development and reform
- Professional development
- Research
- Knowledge mobilization, advocacy, communication, and sector coordination
- Gender, equality and social inclusion
