AUC launches multilingual platform and recognition

The African Union Commission (AUC) marked this year’s World Teachers’ Day with remarkable flair, hosting a three-day Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education (PACTED 2025) at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.The high-level gathering convened ministers of education, policymakers, development partners, and educators from across the continent to deliberate on strategies aimed at enhancing teacher training, recognition, and professional development. The conference was anchored on the AU’s broader vision of transforming Africa’s education systems through empowered and motivated teachers.In a symbolic and inspiring moment, the conference’s closing session coincided with the global celebration of World Teachers’ Day 2025, held under the theme: “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage.”Participants used the platform to reaffirm their commitment to improving teachers’ working conditions, upholding professional standards, and promoting cross-border collaboration.The discussions also aligned with the goals of the newly-launched African Union Decade of Education (2025–2034) — a continental framework designed to accelerate progress towards Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) on quality education for all.The conference took place at a time when Botswana had made commendable strides toward recognising linguistic diversity by launching news bulletins in four additional local languages, Shakgalagari, Ikalanga, Naro, and Sehiyeyi, complementing the existing Setswana and English broadcasts.One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a multilingual digital platform for African teachers, available in English, French, Arabic, and Swahili, with plans to expand into more African languages.Hosted under the Africa Teachers Forum (ATF) initiative, the platform serves as an interactive knowledge hub, featuring over 150 articles, research papers, and best practices. It provides educators with access to training materials, innovation exchange, and communities of practice to foster continuous professional growth.According to a statement from the African Union (AU), discussions at the conference underscored the growing influence of digital innovation, data-driven policymaking, and cross-regional collaboration in revitalising the teaching profession.Experts and practitioners called for greater investment in teacher well-being, fair remuneration, and leadership development, emphasizing that empowered teachers are critical to achieving equitable and high-quality education across Africa.Delegates explored a wide range of themes, including digital learning and innovation, mental health and psychosocial support for teachers, gender-responsive pedagogy, early childhood education, and equitable recruitment and retention.Special sessions facilitated by UNESCO, UNICEF, AFTRA, and the African Union’s International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education (AU-CIEFFA) showcased innovative models for inclusive teacher development. These sessions reinforced the call for national education systems to embed teacher well-being and gender equality in policy frameworks.UNICEF highlighted projects such as Nigeria’s Digital Classroom and Uganda’s Teacher Guides, while UNESCO led a session on integrating gender responsiveness into teacher education.Discussions also stressed the importance of inclusive and accessible digital tools, along with prioritizing teacher mental health and wellness within education systems.Chief of the Education Sector at the UNESCO Liaison Office to the AU and ECA in Addis Ababa, Dr. Abdoulaye Salifou, praised teachers for their resilience and called for “a shift from individualism tocollaboration in advancing Africa’s education systems.”He urged the reform of international financial systems to prioritise education investment, ensuring that technology “supports rather than replaces the human dimension of teaching.”UNICEF’s Global Director for Education, Pia Rebello Britto, emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships with governments and communities to strengthen foundational learning, early childhood education, and teacher capacity.She cited evidence-based approaches and peer learning platforms such as eLearn, Madrasa, and the Africa Foundational Learning Assessment Institute (AFLAI) as effective models for sustainable education transformation.The conference concluded with the prestigious African Union Continental Teachers’ Awards (CTA 2025), organised by the Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI). The awards celebrated nine exceptional educators from across the continent for their innovation, dedication, and impact on communities.For the first time, a new category — “Rural Excellence in Teaching” — was introduced to recognise teachers making transformative contributions in remote and underserved areas.Supported by the European Union (EU) through the Regional Teacher Initiative for Africa (RTIA) and Humana People to People, this year’s awards honoured rural teachers with an additional $2,000 each.The initiative symbolises the AU’s growing focus on equity, inclusion, and grassroots recognition, aiming to inspire greater investment in rural education and enhance the visibility of teachers working in marginalized settings.Speaking on behalf of Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof. Saidou Madougou, Director for Education, Science, and Technology (ESTI), expressed deep appreciation to AU Member States, partners, and stakeholders for their continued collaboration.“Teachers are the foundation of Africa’s development,” he said. “Through innovation, collaboration, and responsive policy, we can ensure that no child, no teacher, and no community is left behind.”The African Union Commission reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the outcomes of PACTED 2025 through key initiatives such as the Continental Teacher Qualification Framework (CTQF), the Regional Teacher Initiative for Africa (RTIA), and the Africa Teachers Forum (ATF).These platforms will continue to serve as strategic instruments for professionalizing, empowering, and valuing Africa’s teaching workforce.The outcomes of PACTED 2025 collectively reaffirm Africa’s determination to value, support, and empower teachers as agents of change and champions of transformation — in line with the AU’sAgenda 2063, Aspiration 1 A Prosperous Africa Based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development, and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

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AUC launches multilingual platform and recognition