High-level roundtable highlights education as a driver of growth, stability and opportunity.
Nairobi, January 26, 2026 — Government representatives, development partners, philanthropies and civil society leaders gathered in Nairobi today for Investing in Our Future, a high-level roundtable on education financing, co-convened by the Government of Kenya and the Global Partnership for Education. The dialogue focused on how sustained and innovative financing can unlock education’s potential to drive economic growth, social progress and long-term stability.
The event took place against the backdrop of Kenya’s long-standing commitment to education, with public spending above the global 20% benchmark for education. Kenya has also contributed to international advocacy on domestic education financing, including through the Heads of State Declaration on Education Financing at the 2021 Global Education Summit.
The convening also coincided with the opening of GPE’s new regional office in Nairobi and the launch of GPE 2030, GPE’s new strategy for the period 2026–2030. Building on the previous approaches, the strategy sets out how country-led reform, sustainable financing and strong partnerships can accelerate progress on learning - particularly for girls, children with disabilities and learners affected by crisis and conflict.
The roundtable follows the recent launch of GPE’s ‘Multiply Possibility’ financing campaign co-hosted by Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. With more than $430 million already pledged from sovereign donors, foundations and philanthropists, the global campaign aims to mobilize $5 billion and unlock an additional $10 billion to transform learning for 750 million children in over 90 partner countries. The campaign will also help countries grow their own domestic education budgets, driving a shift toward sustainable, nationally-led education financing.
The largest generation of young people in history is coming of age. By 2040, nearly 900 million young people across 91 current GPE partner countries will enter the workforce. This represents an unprecedented opportunity—a quality education can equip these young learners with the knowledge and skills they will need to drive global growth, stability, and innovation. Yet more than 270 million children remain out of school with two thirds of them in GPE partner countries. Almost 90% of 10-year-old children in low-income countries cannot read and understand a simple text.
A fully funded GPE would have transformative effects. $5 billion directed to education through GPE would catalyze better education resulting in:
- $840 billion added to the global economy,
- 23 million people lifted out of poverty,
- $7.7 billion saved in climate-related damage,
- 204 million more children in school, half of them girls,
- 105 million children learning better.
These gains deliver returns that boost productivity, widen tax bases and create fiscal space for countries to reinvest in public services and build resilience to shocks. GPE is making this possible by driving a fundamental shift in how education is financed—away from fragmented projects and toward long-term, nationally led investment that strengthens and sustains public education systems.
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Notes to editors
QUOTES
Kenya Minister of Education, Julius Migos Ogamba:
“Education has long been a national priority for Kenya, and sustained domestic investment has been central to our progress. Today’s roundtable reflects our belief that strong national leadership, supported by aligned partnerships, is essential to building education systems that deliver for every learner.”
UK Chargé d’Affaires, Dr. Ed Barnett
“The Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership is focused on delivering real impact for Kenyan and British people. Through our partnership with GPE we are ensuring sustainable education financing to improve education outcomes and promote long-term development. This partnership is about listening to Kenyans about their priorities and ensuring investments in education deliver lasting impact. We’re going far, together.”
Deputy CEO of GPE, Charles North:
“Education is one of the smartest investments any country can make - for growth, for stability and for opportunity. Today’s discussion in Nairobi reflects both the urgency of the moment and the strength of the partnerships needed to close education financing gaps and deliver real progress for learners.”
Susan Otieno, CEO Aga Khan Foundation:
“Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make in a more equitable and resilient society. GPE's new strategy comes at a critical moment to strengthen partnerships and advance sustainable financing solutions that ensure every child can learn and thrive. Philanthropy has an important role to play in catalyzing innovation and supporting system-wide transformation, alongside governments and development partners.”
For more information:
- Tamara Kummer, GPE Head of Communications, @email, Tel: +1 202 948 5395
About the Global Partnership for Education
GPE is a shared commitment to ending the world’s learning crisis. We mobilize partners and funds to support over 90 countries to transform their education systems so that every girl and boy can get the quality education they need to unlock their full potential and contribute to building a better world.
www.globalpartnership.org