Addis ababa: African Union Decade of Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills Development in Africa (2025-2034) was launched today, marking a significant step towards advancing inclusive, equitable, and quality education across the continent. The initiative aims to address multifaceted challenges by reforming Africa’s education system.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the launch coincides with the Pan African Conference on Teacher Education (PACTED) 2025, held in Addis Ababa. The conference is designed to tackle pressing issues in teacher education, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies under the theme ‘Advancing Strategies for Teacher Training, Recognition, and Professional Development’. Strategic frameworks were also unveiled, focusing on systemic reform, teacher professionalism, foundational learning, and digital and green skills.
Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI), emphasized the importance of education system reforms to address Africa’s broad challenges. He highlighted the role of teachers and technology in shaping Africa’s future, stressing the need for actionable policies as education is fundamental to inclusive growth.
Ethiopia’s State Minister of Education, Ayelech Eshete, echoed the importance of education for Africa’s development, citing Ethiopia’s efforts in the sector over the past seven years. She underscored the necessity of collaboration to achieve sector goals and affirmed Ethiopia’s dedication to implementing educational initiatives.
EU Ambassador to the African Union, Javier Ni±o P©rez, highlighted education as a key investment pillar for the European Union in Africa. He reiterated the EU’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in the education sector across the continent.
The conference also celebrated the African Union Continental Teachers Awards 2025 and launched the African Union Continental Teacher Community of Practice (CoP) Platform. It coincides with World Teachers Day 2025, enhancing the teaching profession’s visibility and importance in Africa.
The AU Decade of Education aligns with Agenda 2063 and the SDGs, aiming for inclusive, equitable, and quality education. It integrates strategic implementations of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 26-35), the Continental Strategy for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET-34), and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-34). The 2025 Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education (PACTED) serves as a catalyst for these transformative goals, placing teachers at the forefront of Africa’s education transformation agenda.