Day 1 Highlights – Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education & AU Decade of Education Launch (2025–2034) | Atem Arabella

October 1, 2025, marked a historic step for Africa’s education transformation. From the morning’s opening speeches to the evening breakout sessions, one theme echoed across every voice: teachers are the backbone of Africa’s future.

🔹 High-level Launch – The AU Decade of Education (2025–2034) was officially launched, with commitments to place teachers, inclusion, and innovation at the center of Africa’s development agenda.

🔹Partners’ Commitments – UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, Human Capital Africa, ADEA, AFTRA, teacher unions, and many others outlined bold commitments—from digital learning, girls’ education, and refugee teacher integration to new teacher standards, financing models, and crisis-resilient training.

🔹 Breakout Sessions – Rich discussions unpacked critical issues:

• Group A: Harmonizing teacher qualification frameworks across Africa.

• Group B: Empowering teachers to deliver on foundational learning.

• Group C: Inclusion, leadership, and gender equity in education.

• Group D: Leadership in education – from school systems to universities.

• Group E: Financing education and investing in teachers.

• Group F: Shaping the future of teaching in Africa through policy, practice & partnerships.

• Group G: Enhancing pre-service & in-service training for early childhood educators.

Across all groups, the call was clear: professionalize teaching, invest in teacher welfare, strengthen CPD, embrace digital innovation, and ensure no learner is left behind.

As we close Day 1, the energy is undeniable. The decade ahead must not be about words, but about action, accountability, and Africa-led solutions.

• Atem Arabella | EHAF | CAFTAL | Open Dreams