The African Union Commission announced the introduction of a new category for the teachers prize, the Rural Continental Teacher Award, within the African Union Continental Teacher Awards (CTA), to begin in 2026 and continue for an initial period of three years.
The new category, developed in partnership with Humana People to People and the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation, will spotlight the critical role of rural teachers who deliver quality education despite limited resources and persistent challenges. With nearly 70% of Africa’s population living in rural areas, this recognition aims to address the urgent need to support and elevate teachers serving the continent’s most underserved communities. Selection criteria include demonstrated impact in rural or otherwise underserved areas, innovative low-resource teaching methods, strong community engagement, proven leadership, and a sustained commitment to inclusion and measurable student learning outcomes.
H.E. Professor Gaspard Banyankibona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, highlights that, “this special recognition will shine a spotlight on teachers working in rural and hard-to-reach communities, who often overcome significant challenges to provide education to children in the most disadvantaged areas. By acknowledging their dedication, we reaffirm our commitment that no child, no teacher, and no community is left behind”.
“Through our network of teacher training colleges in Africa, we see every day how teachers transform the lives of children and strengthen the communities they serve,” said Snorre Westgaard, Chairman of Humana People to People. “This partnership allows us to shine a spotlight on rural teachers whose tireless work too often goes unnoticed. Their dedication is the foundation of equitable education, and by amplifying their voices, we can inspire renewed investment in rural education and raise the status of the teaching profession”.
This year’s 2025 CTA served as a soft launch for this new commitment through a Special Recognition of Rural Excellence, supported by Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation. For the first time, the following five teachers have been selected from the CTA awardees and honoured specifically for their outstanding commitment and service to rural and underserved communities, with an additional prize of $2,000 awarded to support their continued work:
- Jepkosgei Chemoiwa – Kenya
- Sachitanand Ramdhonee – Mauritius
- Ntombonzuko Mkizwana Zuki – South Africa
- Allen A. Thomas – Liberia
- Chaabane Naoures – Tunisia
The CTA, a flagship initiative under the Continental Education Strategy for Africa, annually recognises outstanding teachers who improve learning outcomes, elevate the teaching profession, and advance Africa’s development goals, including Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By placing rural educators at the heart of the awards, this expanded framework reaffirms Africa’s commitment to closing the education gap and ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has access to quality teaching.
Notes to Editors
- The announcement of the new award category is being released ahead of World Teachers’ Day on Sunday, 5 October 2025.
- Follow-up interviews with African Union representatives and Humana People to People spokespeople can be arranged for the weekend or early next week.
- For interviews, please contact: funmi@aeqglobal.com | 08130125112 Or Derrick Amoako | derrick@aeqglobal.com
About Humana People to People
Humana People to People is a global movement of people-to-people organisations committed to sustainable development through community-driven initiatives in education, health, agriculture, and the environment. With over 30 years of experience in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, Humana People to People works in partnership with governments, international organisations, and communities to create lasting solutions that empower people to improve their own lives.
About the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation
The Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation supports teacher training and education programmes across Africa, equipping educators with the skills and tools needed to deliver quality education in both urban and rural contexts. By fostering innovation, inclusivity, and community participation, the Foundation strengthens the teaching profession and ensures that education remains a powerful driver of sustainable development.
About the African Union’s Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)
The African Union’s Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) drives the continent’s vision to harness education, science, technology, and innovation as key enablers for sustainable development and socio-economic transformation. Guided by the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016–2025 & CESA 26–35), the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2024–2034), and Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want, ESTI works with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, and stakeholders to advance inclusive, equitable, and innovative education systems, strengthen Africa’s scientific and technological capacity, and empower the youth and women of Africa to be drivers of change.
