A study compares the adult functional literacy campaigns and programs developed in seven African nations: the Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, and Seychelles. After an introductory chapter outlining the background of African adult functional literacy efforts and some of the constraints on them, the second chapter gives an overview of 6 of the 7 countries' literacy activities. Chapter 3 describes a detailed longitudinal study of the literacy campaign in the Republic of Mali from its inception to the present, with projections into the future. The Mali program was chosen for an in-depth analysis because it has been considered one of the best organized, most efficiently functioning programs on the continent, having total government commitment and support. The fourth chapter analyzes the material presented in the previous chapters and offers some conclusions and implications for curriculum development and further research. (Author/MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)