The African continent is home to a sizable rural population: more than 50 per cent (up to 85 per cent in some countries) of the population lives in rural areas, where they face persistent social and economic inequalities. Community learning centres (CLCs) can significantly contribute to addressing these challenges in African countries connected to illiteracy rates, equity/inclusion and a predominantly young population, by providing access to inclusive quality learning opportunities that proactively respond to the expressed needs of youth and adults in local communities in both rural and urban settings. Under this theme, UIL will provide guidelines and concrete steps for developing and implementing CLCs as a national infrastructure for lifelong learning.