A "mind, brain and education" (MBE) approach applies the best evidence regarding how people learn to real classroom settings. Much of the work in the field to date has involved child learners, but MBE is increasingly turning to the study of adult education, supported by a growing understanding of how adults and children differ in their learning styles. MBE's systematic, evidence-driven interdisciplinary approach has much to offer the field of adult literacy. The "Literacy for Women in Africa (LWA)" programme in Malawi seeks to improve and develop its provision for adult learners using MBE's interdisciplinary, evidence-based approach. This article reports on that programme, showing how its design and future development have benefited from the MBE framework. The authors suggest that the field of adult literacy could gain from the development of a strong, shared, scientific evidence base which allows all programme practitioners to benefit from the best knowledge available. The authors offer their experience with the LWA programme as a small contribution towards that goal. It is their hope that this article will be of use to those involved in the development, design and implementation of adult literacy programmes, particularly in the Global South.