Botswana is steadily establishing itself as a hub for education leadership and teacher professionalisation in Africa as preparations intensify to host the 13th Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) Teaching and Learning Conference and the 15th AFTRA Roundtable.
The continental event will take place from 5–8 May 2026 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) and is expected to attract education leaders, policymakers, academics and practitioners from across the continent.
The conference will provide a platform for discussionson teacher professionalism, curriculum innovation and education policy, while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange among education stakeholders.
The Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) is an intergovernmental organisation that brings together Ministries of Education, national teaching councils, teacher unions, teacher education institutions and international partners to strengthen teacher regulation across Africa. It also serves as the African Regional Branch of the International Forum of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (IFTRA), co-chairs the African Union Teacher Development Cluster under the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016 2025) and participates in the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030.
As part of preparations for the conference, the AFTRA Executive paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education in Gaborone on 17 February 2026 to assess Botswana’s readiness to host the event.
In her welcome remarks, the Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Hon. Kebuang Nono Kgafela Mokoka, highlighted the recent restructuring of the Ministry, noting that its mandate now integrates Child Welfare and Basic Education.
She confirmed that the Government of Botswana, through the Botswana Teaching Professionals Council (BOTEPCO), is fully prepared to host the conference, adding that Cabinet has been briefed and supports the initiative.
“Hosting AFTRA provides Botswana with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to continental dialogue on teacher development, curriculum innovation and education policy,” she said.
AFTRA President, Dr. Ebby Mubanga, expressed appreciation to the Government of Botswana, the Ministry and BOTEPCO for agreeing to host the conference. He noted that the annual gathering brings together researchers, educators and policymakers to exchange experiences, research and best practices in education.
Dr. Mubanga added that the conference is expected to attract participants from across Africa and beyond, including Ministers responsible for Education, with the President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko,anticipated to attend as Guest of Honour.
The programme will also feature AFTRA’s Presidential Medal, which recognises outstanding contributions to the teaching profession in the host country.
Speaking on the preparations, BOTEPCO Manager for Corporate Affairs, Ms Mercy Rebaone Thebe, said Botswana is committed to ensuring the successful hosting of the conference.
“Our focus is to ensure that all logistical arrangements and stakeholder coordination are handled efficiently. Hosting this event provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration in teacher development and education management across the continent,” she said.
The courtesy visit reaffirmed the partnership between the Government of Botswana, BOTEPCO and AFTRA, as the country prepares to host education leaders from across the continent.
