Education stakeholders convened in Nairobi on March 10, 2026, for the launch of Vision 2040: Strong Foundations for Lasting Change and the rebranding of Zizi Afrique Foundation to Mizizi Elimu Afrika.
The organization said the new identity signals a renewed focus on strengthening foundational learning across Africa, with an emphasis on improving literacy, numeracy and life skills among children and youth.
The name Mizizi — the Kiswahili word for roots — reflects the organization's commitment to strengthening the early foundations of learning that shape academic success and long-term opportunities.
CEO Dr. John Mugo said foundational skills acquired during early schooling play a critical role in shaping a child's future. He noted that learners who develop strong reading, numeracy and life skills early are better equipped to navigate academic and life challenges.
The Vision 2040 strategy outlines a plan to reach at least 10 million children across Africa by strengthening foundational learning systems through research, policy engagement and partnerships with governments, educators and civil society. The plan focuses on three key priorities:
Improving foundational learning in classrooms and communities
Strengthening accountability in education systems
Building partnerships that support long-term reforms
Florence Wanja, Regional Head, EA, Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank, served as Chief Guest. She commended the organization for enabling children to learn, relate and thrive, and highlighted the importance of financial literacy at the foundational level — noting a gap where adults enter income-earning age without adequate financial knowledge.
Fred Haga, Director of Special Needs Education at the Ministry of Education (representing Basic Education PS Prof. Julius Bitok), reaffirmed the government's commitment to partnering with the organization to provide meaningful education and address foundational learning in the country.
The rebrand comes against a backdrop of concerning learning outcomes in Kenya. Data from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) shows that more than 50% of learners scored D+ or below in Mathematics in the 2024 KCSE. Weak literacy and numeracy skills in early grades are cited as a key contributor to poor performance in later education stages — a challenge as Kenya's CBC aims for at least 60% of learners to pursue STEM pathways.
Founded in 2018, Zizi Afrique worked with governments and development partners across Africa to improve learning outcomes through research, policy engagement and evidence-based programs. The transition to Mizizi Elimu Afrika reflects its broader ambition to support more effective and equitable education systems continent-wide, while building a stronger African-led movement for education reform.
