BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – Eswatini is set to emerge from the Pan-African Conference on Teachers’ Education (PACTED) 2026 with a stronger focus on preparing teachers to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and effectively in education.
The conference, which will be hosted by Eswatini from October 5 to 7 at the ICC Ezulwini Palazzo, is expected to produce an Eswatini Declaration on Transforming the Teaching Profession in Africa, alongside an action framework and recommendations on ethical AI and digital transformation in teacher education.
The three-day continental gathering will bring together governments, education policymakers, teachers and their organisations, teacher-training institutions, universities, researchers, development partners, civil society and the private sector.
According to the briefing statement on PACTED 2026, the conference is expected to strengthen the country’s contribution to discussions on the future of teaching while providing an opportunity for Eswatini to learn from other African countries.
The conference will be held under the African Union Decade of Education and Skills Development 2025–2034 and will contribute to the implementation of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2026–2035.
The theme is: “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future: Innovation, Recognition, Mobility, Artificial Intelligence, Inclusion and Professional Excellence.”
A key area of focus will be how teachers can be equipped to use AI and other digital technologies effectively and ethically.
The conference will also examine digital pedagogy and cybersecurity as technology continues to change the way education is delivered.
For Eswatini, the expected recommendations on ethical AI and digital transformation could provide a framework for strengthening teachers’ digital capabilities and preparing educators for emerging technologies.
The conference is also expected to advance discussions on the recognition and portability of teaching qualifications across African countries.
According to the organisers, there is a need for greater continental cooperation to facilitate teacher mobility. PACTED 2026 will therefore consider mechanisms that could strengthen the movement of teachers across borders through improved recognition of qualifications.
Teacher professionalisation will form another major part of the discussions, with delegates expected to examine professional standards, teacher preparation, continuous professional development and the status of teaching as a profession.
The conference is further expected to address teacher wellbeing, motivation, professional development and recognition.
Inclusion will also feature prominently, with discussions focusing on how education systems can better serve learners in rural and remote communities as well as other vulnerable and underserved groups.
The organisers said the conference was intended to move beyond discussions and produce practical outcomes.
Among the anticipated outcomes is an Eswatini Declaration on Transforming the Teaching Profession in Africa, which is expected to capture commitments arising from the conference.
A conference report and action framework are also expected, together with work towards a continental roadmap on teacher mobility and qualification recognition.
Recommendations on ethical AI and digital transformation in teacher education are expected to form another key outcome, while stronger partnerships to support teacher development across Africa will also be pursued.
The conference will open on October 5, which is World Teachers’ Day, providing an opportunity to combine policy discussions with the recognition of teachers and their contribution to the continent’s development.
The event will culminate on October 7 with the African Union Continental Teachers’ Awards 2026.
The awards will recognise outstanding teachers whose work demonstrates professional excellence, innovation, leadership, inclusion and impact in their communities.
For Eswatini, hosting the conference is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase its education sector while contributing to continental discussions on human capital development and the teaching profession.
Government is working with the African Union Commission and other stakeholders to prepare for the conference.
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(Courtesy Pic)
