BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI– Minister of Education and Training Owen ‘Handsome’ Nxumalo has called for decisive action to transform the teaching profession across Africa, saying the continent can no longer afford to limit discussions about teachers to speeches and conferences.
Nxumalo made the call on Monday, October 5, 2026 as the African Union (AU) and the Kingdom of Eswatini officially opened the Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education (PACTED) 2026 at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC).
The high-level conference brought together governments, education policymakers, teachers and their organisations, teacher-training institutions, universities, researchers, development partners, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to deliberate on the future of the teaching profession in Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, which coincided with World Teachers’ Day, Nxumalo said hosting the conference was both a personal honour and a privilege for the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“Today, 5 October, can rightly be called doubly significant, as we officially bear witness to the opening ceremony of PACTED 2026, while simultaneously joining the global community in commemorating World Teachers’ Day,” he said.
He said there was no better occasion to honour the women and men who shape the social fabric of African societies – teachers.
The conference is being held under the theme: “Transforming the Teaching Profession: Innovation, Recognition, Mobility, AI Inclusion and Professional Excellence.”
Nxumalo said the theme was particularly relevant at a time when African education systems were confronting teacher shortages, uneven deployment of educators and rapidly changing demands brought about by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate change and evolving labour markets.
“It is time to take action,” the Minister said.
He said PACTED 2026 provided an opportunity to turn continental commitments into practical national reforms, with the ultimate objective of moving “from dialogue to delivery” and ensuring better preparation, stronger support and improved quality learning across Africa.
Central to the conference discussions will be the Continental Teacher Qualification Framework (CTQF), which Nxumalo said should help establish robust professional standards, licensing systems and clear career pathways for teachers.
He said mutual recognition of teacher qualifications across African borders was also important in promoting teacher mobility and strengthening continental integration.
Another major priority will be the responsible use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to empower teachers, particularly those working in rural and underserved communities.
Nxumalo also highlighted the need to address teachers’ mental health, motivation and working conditions, saying these issues were critical to retaining talented professionals in classrooms.
The conference will further consider gender-responsive pedagogy to ensure teachers are equipped to support diverse learners, including those affected by emergency situations.
The Minister stressed that sustainable domestic investment in the teaching profession was equally important, alongside expanding teacher learning, research and professional development.
He challenged delegates to ensure that the Ezulwini conference produces tangible outcomes that can be implemented beyond the conference venue.
“This conference must not be remembered merely for eloquent speeches and discussions. It must be remembered for concrete and actionable outcomes that will transform our education systems,” Nxumalo said.
By the conclusion of the conference on Thursday, delegates are expected to work towards adopting the Lesotho Declaration and Communiqué, together with roadmaps relating to teacher mobility and digital guidance and operational plans such as the African Teacher Workforce Plan.
The conference will also provide an opportunity to recognise professional excellence through the AU Continental Teachers Awards 2026.
Nxumalo said teachers remained fundamental to Africa’s development ambitions, describing them as primary drivers of quality, inclusive and transformative education.
He said teachers nourish human capital and fuel innovation, making them central to the realisation of continental and global development aspirations, including AU Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.
“As Africa advances the implementation of the African Union Decade of Education and Skills Development, we stand at a critical crossroads,” he said.
“We know that no education system can thrive above the quality of its teachers.”
Nxumalo urged delegates to approach the conference with urgency, vision and courage and work towards creating an environment in which every teacher on the continent is valued, protected, professionalised and empowered.
He also invited international delegates to experience Eswatini’s culture, natural beauty and hospitality during their stay in the Kingdom.
The conference places Eswatini at the centre of a continental conversation on how Africa can strengthen the teaching profession at a time when education systems are being reshaped by technology, labour-market changes and growing demands for quality and inclusive education.
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