The African Union (AU) has officially launched a significant ten-year program, the AU Decade of Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills Development in Africa (2025-2034). This initiative aims to profoundly enhance learning experiences across the continent and elevate the crucial role of teachers in Africa's ongoing development. The launch occurred during the Pan African Conference on Teacher Education (PACTED 2025), held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa from October 1 to 3, 2025.
This decade-long commitment is strategically aligned with Agenda 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals, signaling a unified vision for educational progress. The conference also saw the introduction of six other vital continental strategic frameworks designed to address critical issues such as pervasive teacher shortages, persistent gender inequality within educational systems, and the imperative for effective technology integration in classrooms. These include the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2026–2035), the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA‑2034), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET‑34), as well as frameworks for professional teacher qualifications (CTQF) and professional teaching standards (CFSCTP).
Gaspard Banyankibona, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, articulated the multifaceted challenges confronting educators, including insufficient numbers, inadequate training, low morale, and a general lack of recognition. He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within African education systems to effectively tackle these teacher education concerns. Echoing these sentiments, Ethiopian State Minister of Education Ayelech Eshete highlighted the rapid growth of the school-aged population across Africa, juxtaposed with a stark scarcity of qualified teachers. This situation, she noted, demands immediate and focused attention from policymakers and international partners. Projections indicate that only nine sub-Saharan African countries will have sufficient primary school teachers by 2030, underscoring the scale of the challenge ahead.
The AU's Decade of Accelerated Action is set to implement robust strategies focused on improving teacher training, enhancing professional recognition, and fostering continuous professional development. This comprehensive approach is anticipated to catalyze a significant transformation in education systems, thereby contributing substantially to the achievement of both continental and global development objectives. Discussions at the conference also delved into the integration of technology, the promotion of gender equity, and innovative solutions to teacher shortages, all integral components of the AU's broader mission to reform education and provide unwavering support to teachers. This initiative represents a pivotal step towards ensuring inclusive and quality education for all Africans. Research confirms a direct correlation between investments in teacher development and improved education quality and student outcomes (for example, a UNESCO report from 2023).
The challenges in African education are significant, with teacher shortages being a critical issue. UNESCO estimates that Africa needs to recruit at least 15 million teachers by 2030 to address deficits in primary and secondary schools. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, suffer from inadequate infrastructure, a lack of learning materials, and a scarcity of qualified teachers who are often undertrained or lack updated teaching strategies. The high teacher-to-student ratio in many regions further exacerbates the problem, leading to overburdened educators and limited individual attention for students.
To address these systemic issues, the AU's Decade of Accelerated Action will focus on strengthening teacher education systems, advancing professional development, and ensuring equitable distribution of educators. The initiative aligns with broader continental strategies such as the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2026-2035) and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034), aiming to equip learners with skills for the future of work. The European Union has also affirmed its commitment to supporting education in Africa, recognizing it as a key pillar of investment. The Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA), implemented jointly with the EU, UNESCO, and several European countries, provides €100 million in funding for 2024–2030. This program helps countries adapt policies, test, and scale successful teacher training and development practices, with an emphasis on digital and 'green' skills, as well as gender-sensitive pedagogy.
The decade-long initiative also includes the implementation of a Continental Assessment Framework (CCAF) and regular progress reports (Second Continental Report on CESA and SDG 4). These tools will monitor basic literacy levels, mathematical skills, and overall educational system outcomes in AU member states, ensuring data comparability and supporting reforms.
In December 2024, the Nouakchott Declaration was adopted in Nouakchott, Mauritania, where member states committed to increasing education funding and exploring mechanisms to support reforms in education and skills development. These measures lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of the ten-year initiative and the professional development of teachers across the continent.