The Minister of Education and Training in Eswatini, Owen Nxumalo, has called for Africa to turn continental commitments on teachers into practical national reforms. He made the remarks at the official opening of the Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education, PACTED 2026, in Eswatini. The event coincided with the global commemoration of World Teachers’ Day on October 5th, 2026. Nxumalo emphasized the significance of the day, which holds double importance for the country and the continent.
The conference, themed "Transforming the Teaching Profession through Innovation, Recognition, Mobility, AI, Inclusion and Professional Excellence," brings together delegates to discuss pressing issues in education. Nxumalo welcomed delegates on behalf of His Majesty the King, the Government, and the people of Eswatini. He noted that there is no better occasion to honour teachers, who shape the social fabric of societies. The Minister expressed his pride in hosting the conference in Eswatini.
PACTED 2026 addresses complex pressures in education, including teacher shortages, deployment challenges, and the impact of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate change, and evolving labour markets. Nxumalo urged delegates to move from dialogue to delivery, ensuring better preparation, stronger support, and greater influence for teachers to deliver quality learning across Africa. The conference aims to place teachers at the centre of education transformation.
The Minister outlined six priorities to guide deliberations throughout the conference. These include domesticating the Continental Teacher Qualification Framework to establish robust standards and clear career pathways for teachers. Another priority is facilitating the mutual recognition of teacher qualifications across borders to foster mobility and continental integration. The conference will also explore harnessing artificial intelligence and digital tools to empower teachers.
The conference will address mental health, motivation, and working conditions as critical factors in retaining top talent in the profession. It will also advance gender-responsive approaches to ensure educators are prepared to support diverse learners, including those with special needs. Professional excellence will be recognised during the AU Continental Teachers Awards 2026, to be held as part of the conference.
As Africa advances the implementation of the AU Decade of Education and Skills Development 2025-2034, the continent stands at a critical crossroads. Nxumalo emphasized that no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to improve the teaching profession and ultimately enhance education outcomes across Africa.
The Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education will conclude with a call to action, urging governments and stakeholders to implement the commitments made during the conference. The outcome of the conference is expected to contribute to the achievement of the African Union's education goals and improve the quality of education across the continent.
Key points
- The conference aims to transform the teaching profession through innovation, recognition, and professional excellence.
- The event brings together delegates to discuss pressing issues in education, including teacher shortages and the impact of artificial intelligence.
- The conference will conclude with a call to action, urging governments and stakeholders to implement the commitments made during the conference.
