The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) will convene its First Continental Conference on Catholic Education in Africa from August 6 to 8, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This significant gathering marks a key moment for Catholic education across the continent and its surrounding islands. The conference will operate under the theme “Strengthening Catholic Education for Integral Human Development in Africa,” a theme chosen to show the profound mission of Catholic educational institutions. Organizers aim for the event to strengthen continental collaboration and provide strategic direction for Catholic education. This initiative seeks to position Catholic education as a catalyst for evangelisation, integral human development, and sustainable social transformation across Africa and its Islands, addressing the diverse needs and challenges faced by communities in the region.
Conference Objectives and Scope
More than 100 participants are expected to attend the conference, representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders in Catholic education. The attendees will comprise bishops responsible for education, representatives from Catholic universities, members of national Catholic education commissions, and leaders of various religious congregations actively involved in educational ministries. Additionally, education experts, researchers, and a range of partners committed to advancing educational goals will also be present, ensuring a rich and full dialogue. The diverse composition of participants is designed to foster a multi-faceted approach to addressing the future of Catholic education.
Discussions during the event will cover a broad range of critical topics essential for the advancement and sustainability of Catholic educational institutions. These include exploring the core aspects of Catholic identity within educational settings, examining effective leadership and governance structures, and focusing on the key formation of educators to uphold the distinct values of Catholic pedagogy. Financial sustainability will be addressed, alongside the profound impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence on modern education, acknowledging the need for adaptation and innovation. The vital role of Catholic universities and research in contributing to societal development will be examined, as will safeguarding measures to ensure the well-being of students, and the principles of environmental stewardship. The conference also aims to identify innovative responses to emerging educational challenges across the continent, ensuring that Catholic education remains relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world.
Mandate and Background
The First Continental Conference on Catholic Education in Africa has been convened in direct response to a specific mandate issued during the 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly. This important assembly took place in July 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, where the need for a unified and strategic approach to Catholic education was thoroughly discussed and affirmed. The decision to hold the conference reflects a deep commitment by SECAM to address and advance Catholic education across the continent, recognizing its foundational role in fostering societal well-being. The conference aims to build upon the directives established at the plenary assembly, translating them into actionable strategies and concrete plans for educational development across all levels. This initiative shows SECAM's ongoing efforts to support and enhance the role of Catholic educational institutions in fostering integral human development throughout Africa and its surrounding islands, ensuring that these institutions continue to serve as beacons of hope and progress.
Key Outcomes and Future Direction
A major and anticipated outcome of the conference is expected to be the development of a full 2026-2031 Continental Roadmap for Catholic Education. This strategic roadmap will outline clear objectives, actionable steps, and measurable goals for Catholic educational institutions across Africa and its islands over the five-year period, providing a unified direction for their efforts. Participants at the conference will also advance key discussions on the establishment of the SECAM Education Commission, a permanent body intended to provide ongoing oversight, coordination, and strategic guidance for Catholic education initiatives throughout the continent. The formation of this commission aims to solidify a unified approach to educational development, facilitate resource sharing, and collaboratively address emerging challenges, ensuring the long-term vitality and effectiveness of Catholic education in Africa.