This report describes early childhood development (ECD) in Africa and the Bernard van Leer Foundation's strategies for early childhood programs in African nations. Chapter 1 examines the context in which Africa's children are growing up, focusing on the hardships that many children face, as well as the efforts made by families, communities, and international groups to alleviate the effects of economic decline, inadequate services, war, and civil strife. Chapter 2 reviews the importance of the early years on children's development and discusses the kinds of outcomes that ECD programs should be seeking. Chapter 3 discusses the roles of individuals and groups who come into contact with children, including primary caregivers, secondary caregivers, community organizations, policymakers, and governments. Chapter 4 examines what roles these same individuals and organizations should play in ECD programs. Chapter 5 deals with the costs and effects of ECD programs. Chapter 6 serves as a conclusion and discusses the key issues of the ECD debate in Africa, including the holistic development of children, multisectoral programs, and the needs of women and girls. (MDM)