Mbabane – African education leaders have called for teachers to be better prepared for the changing education landscape, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI).
The call was made during the opening of the Pan-African Conference on Teachers’ Education (PACTED) 2026, which is being hosted in Ezulwini, alongside celebrations of World Teachers’ Day.
Held under the theme, “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future: Innovation, Recognition, Mobility, Artificial Intelligence, Inclusion, and Professional Excellence,” the conference has brought together African Union ministers, educators and international partners to discuss the future of teaching on the continent.
Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo said teachers remained central to the quality of education, particularly as African countries grapple with teacher shortages and the emergence of AI.
“No education system can rise above the quality of its teachers. Teachers are the primary drivers of quality, inclusive, and transformative education,” Nxumalo said.
He said PACTED 2026 provided an opportunity for African countries to move beyond discussions and focus on practical measures to improve teacher preparation, support and the quality of learning.
AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Prof Gaspard Banyankimbona said the contribution of teachers extended far beyond the classroom.
“Behind every doctor, every engineer, every scientist, and every leader, there is a teacher who helped unlock their potential,” Banyankimbona said.
He said while AI could process vast amounts of information, teachers remained responsible for inspiring curiosity and developing learners’ potential.
“Africa shall not be a passive consumer of tomorrow’s technologies; our teachers must be empowered to raise the brilliant creators of these technologies,” he said.
The conference forms part of broader continental discussions on improving the teaching profession through innovation, inclusion, professional development and the responsible use of technology.
World Teachers’ Day is being commemorated alongside the conference, placing the contribution of educators at the centre of discussions on Africa’s future education systems.
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