The Compact establishes targets of under-five mortality reduction of 20 per cent, of maternal mortality reduction by 15 per cent, and girls' primary school enrolment levels of 60 per cent, all by the year 2010.
While primary enrolment figures may have reached reassuring rates in many countries, levels of school completion, transition and the quality of education still needs to be addressed.
In education, the region's net primary enrolment ratio, at 97 per cent, is the highest in the developing world - and enrolment levels for girls and boys are nearly the same in most countries.
But in Malawi the policy skyrocketed girls' primary enrolment from under 50% to 100% today.
However when looking beyond primary enrolment, at attainment and learning, the idea of global convergence vanishes.
The average adult literacy rate is 61%, net primary enrolment ratio is 68%, net secondary education enrolment ratio is 29% and combined school enrolment rate is 50%.
There is no significant difference in primary enrolment of orphans and non-orphans, and there is gender parity in primary enrolment.
Although primary school attendance is free and Tanzania raised enrolment levels from 54.2% in 1990 to 95.4% in 2010, classroom conditions are basic and stretched.
Today, enrolment levels for men and women at primary, secondary and tertiary levels are about the same.
- Increasing the school enrolment rate and primary education level completion, decreasing the drop-out and repetition rate.
